Shirley Ann Blake Bates' Obituary
Shirley Ann Blake Bates, age 88, of Fayetteville, AR, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2023. She was born June 12, 1935, in England, AR, the daughter of the late Samuel Cecil Blake and Zela Mills Blake. Also preceding her in death was an infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth; a former spouse, Max Bates; a brother, Tom Blake; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Blake; and a niece, Lori Blake. Shirley was a retired art teacher, and successful interior designer. She was a member of the Johnson Church of Christ.
She excelled in whatever she put her mind to. Her incredible creativity manifested itself in becoming an art teacher/consultant and then a successful interior designer and Art Museum Director in St. Louis Missouri. Following a move to Lebanon, TN, she established an Art Academy at a local university and taught art to children up until retiring in 2010. She then moved to Fayetteville, AR to be close to her children and grandchildren where she was always present at any and all family functions which she enjoyed immensely.
One of the most enduring memories of her family is that whatever gift came her way, it was always the best she had ever been given, seen, tasted or experienced. She always made you feel so good about anything you did for her. You always came away from a visit with her feeling encouraged and uplifted. She always had a contagious smile!
Survivors are a son, Sam Bates (Jodi); her grandchildren, Trevor Bates (Elly), Maggie Schurhamer (Ben), Emma Aspinwall (Cade); great-grandchildren, Nona Bates, Dean Bates, Betsy Bates, Linley Schurhamer, Josie Schurhamer, Charlie Schurhamer; and a nephew, Brad Blake (Jen), Ibrahim, Rahamatu, Musa and Imani Blake.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 31, at Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville with Brad Blake officiating. A private burial is in Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorial donations are preferred to Humane Society of the Ozarks: PO Box 11174 Fayetteville, AR 72703 hsozarks.org
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?