EDITH S. BATES

Edith S. Bates, 80, devoted wife, loving mother and widow of Robert A. "Bob" Bates, to whom she was married for 55 years, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at her home.

Born on Oct. 16, 1939, in Creston, she was a daughter of the late H.T. "Shorty" and Alice Metts Shumaker. Mrs. Bates was the oldest of seven Shumaker girls and was a graduate of Edmunds High School. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She was a retired customer service representative with NBSC.

Surviving are five sisters, Thomasine S. Price of Greenville, Agnes S. Romatzick (Richard) of Sumter, Anne S. DeLong (Richard) and Faye S. Newman (Claude), all of Sumter, and Doris S. Ashworth (Tony) of Winnsboro; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her two sons, Robert A. Bates Jr. and Thomas Lloyd Bates; and a sister, Joyce Shumaker Davis.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Sumter Cemetery with the Rev. Jimmy Holley, the Rev. Tommy Atkinson and the Rev. Lynn Gardner officiating.

The family will receive friends at the graveside.

All attendees are asked to wear masks and maintain social distancing during the graveside services.

Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.