CLARICE BATES

Clarice Bates (Mother Bates)  was born from the union of Henry Jackson Sr. and Corien Chriss of Oakridge, LA.

Clarice Bates married James Bates in the early 1960’s later she moved to West Dallas, TX attended Blackwell Temple Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev. Blackwell and Sis. Blackwell were she was the honorary  master of ceremony.

Clarice Bates loved God and to speak of him with so much passion was an understatement. She then began her save West Dallas Mission as a local activist on the side of Bessie Coleman of Westside Store and other amazing woman.

They began an awesome mother and daughter bond and that landed her a job at the West Side Store in West Dallas along  with the Boys and Girls Club Inc.

Mother Bates then took part on the Boards of several community services; one being West Dallas Coalition where she later became a member of True Gospel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Hawthorn, all while and doing her job at Spears Funeral Home as a secretary. She became a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star.

Mother Bates adopted many people as her kids , always keeping her doors open and if you had adversity you were dealing with she stood with you in prayer selflessly.

In later 2000’s, Mother Bates joined New Life Church Unleashed under the Apostle Meller E. Johnson Jr. and Pastor Tina Johnson who she often called her god-children.

Later she started a community ministry along side Pastor Ronald and Renetha Pride called My Father’s House Outreach Ministry in Surrey Row Apartments where many souls where reached, people fed and clothed.

As you can see the common factor that is presented is God!

Mother Bates didn’t believe in giving up. God was and is the source of all things. She say whatever you do in life make sure you do it the best you can and no matter how hard it gets remember God has a blessing with your name on it. Be encouraged, God is not marked.

Clarice (Mother Bates) was preceded in death by her mother, father, Henry  and Corine Jackson and four brothers, William Jackson, Willie Lee Washington, Charlie Jackson and Ethan Duke; three sisters, Cherrie Jackson , Lillie Mae Washington, Minnie Wheather, Merdie Livingston; daughter, Valerie Ann Mauldin; grandson, Keyveyion D. Bowie Sr.; godmother, Lovein Paramore.

She was survived by one brother, Henry Jackson Jr.; two sons, Macklan J. Bates Jr. (Jackie) and Christopher W. Bates; two daughters, Paula R. Bates (Fred Dixon) and Linda Bates; two sons-in-law, Gary Mauldin Sr. and William E. Hopkins;  special daughter, Nina Reed; thirteen grandchildren, Shantae Durodoye,  Jasmin Reed, Robert and Samantha Bates, Shakenya Bowie, Alexander and Charrell Bates, Gary and Sarah Mauldin, Gabriel Bates, JaBrandon Bates, Charles Bolden, Marcus and Felecia Mauldin, Demetra Reeed, Shardee Bates and Chrystal Bates; twenty-eight great grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends.