Dorothy Irene (McClearin) Bates

Dorothy Irene McClearin Bates, faithful servant of God and man, went home to glory on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.  She was born in Palmetto, Georgia on July 18, 1935 to Howard and Carrie Mae McClearin, the first of six daughters.  In addition to her parents, Dorothy is predeceased by husband, Jewel T. Bates; sisters, Mattie Pearl Daniel and Willie Mae Sneed; step brother, Henry McKee; nine brother-in-laws, three sister-in-laws and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.  

The family migrated to Dayton, Ohio when Dorothy was a small child.  She attended Wogaman Elementary School and Dunbar High School; received a bachelor’s degree from Central State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Wright State University.  She taught business office education in the Dayton Public Schools with assignments at Roosevelt, Colonel White and Patterson-Kennedy Career Center until her retirement.  Sister Bates was faithful member of Corinthian Baptist Church working diligently as Credit Manager in the credit union.  She was an instrumental player in the effort to save the local black church credit union by merging several local churches to collaboratively form the Wright-Dunbar Area Credit Union.  Dorothy reached Golden Soror status in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dorothy married her college sweetheart, Jewel T. Bates; together they produced three great children and were married for 53 years.  Dot and J.T. set an example for many to emulate as individual people and as a couple. One of her greatest joys was spending time with family and helping others.  She and her husband hosted many family gatherings in their home affectionately known as “The Country.” This beautiful lady had a “green thumb” like no other, was an excellent cook and one of her favorite past times was line dancing. 

Dorothy was a quiet, generous to a fault, graceful lady who was cherished in whatever role was required – wife, mother (in-law), sister, cousin, aunt, co-worker, caregiver, soror, neighbor or friend – always encouraging and always cheerful.  She will be missed by all those whose life she touched.  Survived by children, Carol Bates Gardner (Ralph), Thomas Bates, Kevin Bates and special nephew, Michael Daniel; sisters Lula Hollis, Virginia King and Frances Marr; sister-in-law, Mary Ivy; brother-in-law, James Bates (Mayrene); along with a host of wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

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