Carolyn T. Bates

Carolyn T. Bates, 88 of Orangeburg died Sunday, February 14, 2016 at her residence.

The casket will be placed in the church one hour before the service.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at St. George Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery with Rev. Wayne Reeves and Rev. Steve Dees officiating directed by Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

Pallbearers will be John Bates, Joe Bates, Kevin Berry, Richard English, Christopher Jones and Kenny Bates.

She was born September 13, 1927 in Orangeburg County, SC; the daughter of the late Willie E. Thomas and the late Ethel Murden Thomas. She was a Longtime member of St. George Baptist Church and was retired from American Yard Products. She was the widow of the late Arnold L. Bates and was preceded in death by brothers and sisters; Bill Thomas, Chivelette Bozard, Sadie Smith, Richard Thomas and Mildred Bennette.

Survivors include 4 children; David Bates of the home; Ronnie Bates and wife, Doris; Michael Bates of Columbia and Linda Sizemore and husband, Glenn of Myrtle Beach, SC; a brother-in-law; Keith Bates and wife Betty of Orangeburg; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the home and at the funeral home.

Visitation will be held 6:00 to 7:30 PM Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

Memorials may be made to St. George Baptist Church; 2590 Shillings Bridge Road; Orangeburg, SC 29115 or to the Arnold and Carolyn Bates Scholarship Fund; C/O Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College; 3250 St. Matthews Road; Orangeburg, SC 29118