Virginia Bates

Frances Bates, age 99, a longtime resident of Pittsylvania County and the Danville area, died on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Roman Eagle Rehabilitation and Health Center where she had lived since 2010.                Frances was born on January 23, 1917 in Bedford County, VA to the late John D. and F. Lillian (Saunders) Cassidy.  She leaves behind to mourn her passing her daughter, Margaret Wilson Bolton of Altavista and her son John Bates, Sr. of Danville, as well as her granddaughter, Crystal Bates Carter of Danville, whom she raised from infancy, 15 more grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.                The Matriarch of her family, she was preceded in death by all of her 10 siblings.  Frances married twice, first, to the late Reed A. Wilson, and was pre-deceased by 3 of their 4 children; the late Gladys Wilson Hisel Blackburn, Douglas Wilson, and Jerry Wayne Wilson.  Her second marriage was to the late Randy H. Bates, and she was pre-deceased by 2 of their 3 children; Nelson Ray Bates and Ricky Bates.  She was also preceded in death by three grandchildren.                She retired from the Dan River Cotton Mill after 40 years of service, and was a member of the College Park Baptist Church.                A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at Danville Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Dr. Gary Tucker officiating.                The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.                Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street is serving the Bates family.