Sharon Lucille Bates

May 10, 1947 - February 2, 2021

Sharon Lucille Bates, age 73, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2021 due to complications from Covid-19 virus and multiple underlying health issues. She was born in Gary, Indiana to Henry Bates, Sr. and Percy Viva Bates. Preceded in death by her parents, Henry W. Bates, Sr. and Percy V. Bates, and her sister Wendy Bates. Sharon's survived by her son, Todd Anthony Bates; four sisters; Viva Binns, Denise Bates, Celeste Johnson, Carla Bates-McCallum; four brothers; Henry (Marci) Bates, Jr., Courtney (Beverly) Bates, Sr., Garett Bates, and Philip (Tracy) Bates-King; and a host of nieces and nephews. Sharon was very studious in school, always achieving high academic honors. She enjoyed reading whatever she could get her hands on. She was very creative in sewing outfits for her younger siblings without using a pattern. She also shared her love for crocheting quilts for her loved ones, designed with the colors of their choice. In 1965, Sharon graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana, and later enlisted into the US Army, stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama. After her discharge from the military, she pursued a medical career and received her degree as a Register Nurse (RN) in 1973. She worked at numerous medical facilities in Gary, Indiana, San Antonio, Texas, and Tampa, Florida. Sharon was a highly educated and experienced nurse in her field. Sharon had a strong and determined personality that allowed her to achieve many accomplishments. She loved the act of giving gifts. Her family will be forever grateful for the irreplaceable and immeasureable gifts of memories, laughter and love, that she always expressed in her own special way.