Mrs. Vera Theresa Bates

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and lei her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31 Vera Theresia Helton was born September 04, 1933 to Daisy Helton and Leslie Puckett in Wisner, Louisiana. Her parents gave her the nurturance and guidance needed to handle life challenges. Mother dear received her formal education at Ouachita Parish in Monroe, Louisiana; she furthered her education at MATC in downtown Milwaukee, WI. Mother wore many hats but she loved being a mother and a home maker. Mother dear accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was united with Bethesda Church of God In Christ where she served faithfully on the mother board, Bible Ban; she also attended prayer and fast shut-ins and sang in the choir. In her leisure, Mother dear loved reading books, and writing; Motherdear had a love for angels, praying, singing and sewing. She was known for her famous lemon cheesy bars recipe! Her faith was strong and she believed in the power of prayer. Life should be measured not by the number of years, but rather by the love shared, the memories made, the joy given and the blessings received. Vera T. Bates life was full and her friends were many. One of her greatest joys was spending quality time with her family and friends. She loved her family and adored her grandchildren. On Monday, August 01,2016 Motherdear was called home; her legacy shall live on in her family and all whom lives she touched. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her brother Elder David Jenkins; two sisters Mattie Hall and Katie Tidwell of Berkley, California; seven daughters Daisy Bates, Susie Bates, Vivian (James) McNeal, Markeysha (James) Bilal-Fields of Brentwood, California, Cherry (Chris) McKnight, Charita V. (Samuel) Davies, Ms. Charita Bates; four sons George Bates 1II, Sherman (Angie) Bates, James (Lucy) Bates of Portage, WI., Gichi Gamba of Sherman Oaks, CA; 38 grandchildren, many great-great-great grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces and other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Daisy Jenkins; father Leslie Puckett; step-father Wash Jenkins; two sisters Celia Ruff and Dorothy Fields; two brothers Ed Sanders and Wash Jenkins Jr.; one daughter Shirley Ann Bates; two grandsons Moses lsiah Bates and lkeem Cantrell and one granddaughter Chailotte Cantrell. May her Legacy resound in all whom encountered her presence Knowing that her unwavering faith, unconditional love And warm embrace shall forever be in our hearts.

Mrs. Vera Theresa Bates

September 4, 1933 - August 1, 2016