PROSPERITY — Funeral services for Mr. Cleophus Bates, 67, will be conducted on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Lower Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Bates passed away on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at Palmetto Richland Hospital. Born in Newberry County, he was the son of the late Colie Bates Sr. and the late Jessie L. Mayers Bates. He was a member of Lower Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church where he was a member of the men’s choir. He was also a member of Son’s of Aid Society No. 14. Mr. Bates retired from American Fiber & Finish as a Doffer.

Surviving are his wife, Queen Esther Hair Bates; daughter, Angela Heller (Samuel) of Irmo; sisters, Lottie M. Wallace and Jessie P. Bates of Prosperity; Dorothy A. Barnes of Little Mountain; brother, James E. Bates of Newberry; two grandchildren, Cameron Channing Heller and Justin Cullen Heller; aunt, Pearlie Mae Mayers; mother-in-law, Fennie Verta Mae Hair; sister-in-law, Dorothy K. Bates; brother-in-law, Larry Barnes, other relatives and friends.

Send condolences and sign the online guest book at www.fbpratt.com.

Services entrusted to F. B. Pratt & Son Funeral Home, Inc.