LaVerne Reece Bates, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at her home on August 19, 2024 at 95 years old. She was born LaVerne Nora Reece to parents Wade Oscar Reece and Ella Mae Foster in Roswell, Georgia where she grew up surrounded by her three siblings and extended family.

LaVerne graduated from Milton High School in 1945 at age 15 and, through special permission from her parents, immediately started her nearly 40-year career in banking.

In 1948, LaVerne married James Hollis Bates. During nearly 68 years of marriage, they raised their family together in Tucker and later got to experience life as grandparents and great-grandparents while living back in North Fulton. Their gentle yet steadfast marriage inspired many generations. They were members of Rehoboth Baptist Church while in Tucker and Northside Baptist Church while in Roswell.

LaVerne was kind, generous, and loving to all. She welcomed guests into her home with warm food, and an even warmer heart. Her children will never forget the times with family and friends at Lake Allatoona, hosted by LaVerne. Her grandchildren will never forget her homemade pancakes that somehow contained even more love than they did syrup. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an admirable patience. She enjoyed family celebrations, spending time at the lake and beach, gardening, traveling, antiques, the latest fashions, cooking, playing cards, reading, water skiing, and gospel music.

LaVerne's legacy lives on through her sister Geneva Reece Dangar; children Pamela Bates Duncan, Patti Bates Lyons (Jim), and James Randall Bates (Stacey); seven grandsons: Travis Duncan (Bonnie), Jacob Lyons, Andrew Bates (Isabella), Michael Bates (Amber), Joseph Lyons, Mick Duncan and Jared Lyons; and great-grandchildren William Duncan and Noralee Duncan.
LaVerne was preceded in death by son-in-law Gary Duncan and siblings Eloise Reece Phillips and Joel Lamar Reece.

A memorial service will be held at Northside Chapel at 12050 Crabapple Road in Roswell on Wednesday, August 21st. The family will receive friends at the same location on Tuesday, August 20th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm and Wednesday, August 21st from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. Interment will be at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell.