FLORENCE GILES BATES

Florence Bates, a devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Rockwall, Texas. Born on September 7, 1942, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Florence’s life was marked by compassionate service, an unwavering dedication to family, and a love for the simple pleasures that gave her joy and sustenance.

From her early years in Frierson, Florence exhibited a generous spirit that would define her lifetime. She graduated from Second Ward High School in DeSoto Parish before pursuing her passion for nursing at Baylor Nursing School in Dallas, Texas, where she earned her credentials as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Her career was not only a profession but a calling—she was known for her caring nature and kind-heartedness, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, whether it was providing food, assisting with rent, or supporting with other bills. Her warmth and kindness were a beacon for those fortunate enough to know her.

Florence was a woman who found happiness in the gentle rhythms of life. She loved fishing, the quiet patience of tending her garden, and the art of cooking, especially her beloved gumbo, a dish that brought family and friends together around the table. Shopping excursions to Thom Thumb and Ann Health Food were simple delights she treasured, as was quality time spent with her family, which remained the heart of her existence. Despite her reserve, Florence’s presence was deeply felt by all who encountered her, a testament to the strength of her character and the depth of her love.  She was a member of the Inspiring Body of Christ (IBOC).

She took immense pride in her family, her finest legacy being her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her devoted son, Shun Bates, and his wife, Angelia; her daughter, Toni Haynes, and her treasured granddaughters, Rachel Bates and Ashley Haynes. The joy of her life also extended to her great-grandchild, Mia "Boogie" Bates, who carried forward the light of her grandmother’s legacy. Florence’s family meant everything to her, and her home was a sanctuary where love, tradition, and the bonds of kinship were fiercely cherished.

Florence’s intimate family ties included her sisters, Lillie Giles and Virgie Giles-Binz, as well as aunts Elsie Smith and Julia Rogers, and an extended circle of nieces and nephews who held her in their hearts. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Cuffie and Pearl Giles; siblings Loueles Giles, Eddie Giles, Cuffie Giles, Jr., and Bonnie Giles; and aunt Georgia Wilson, whose memories remain woven into the fabric of the family's story.

Florence Bates lived a life that was quietly profound, rich with love and punctuated by acts of kindness. Her legacy is one of devotion, resilience, and an enduring generosity of spirit. Though she is gone from this world, the tender mark she left on those she loved will echo through generations. Her spirit lives on in her family’s hearts—in every shared memory, every family gathering, and through the countless lives she touched with her unwavering love and compassion.