Esther Bates

Esther Jordan Bates was born on July 15, 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, to the late Lewis and Althea “Nana” Jordan and was the oldest of five children. Esther passed away peacefully at her home of 50+ years, covered in love and affection from family members on February 3, 2025. At a young age, Esther learned the values of truth, honesty, kindness, and caring for others. She carried these principles with her throughout her life and career. Born and raised in the small town of Titusville, Pennsylvania (known for being the birthplace to the American Oil Industry), she graduated from Titusville High School then enrolled and graduated from nursing school in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Later in life she pursued and graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing from St. Joseph’s University. A registered nurse since 1960, Esther began her long and distinguished career at Prince George’s General Hospital (PG) in 1972. While she worked in multiple departments and units, much of her work was in the recovery room, caring for those who had just had surgery. As the department head of the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, she played a pivotal role in launching the Short Stay Center in 1983 and the Open-Heart Unit in 1990. She was deeply admired and loved by her colleagues and patients alike. In 1976 she was a founding member of the Chesapeake Bay Society of Peri-Anesthesia Nursing. Recognized for her excellence and leadership, she blazed the trail and made history as the first (1st) African-American Head Nurse at PG! In 2016 after 44 years of dedicated service to the public, Esther retired leaving behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and compassionate care. Shortly after graduating from nursing school, she moved to Detroit, Michigan or “The Big City” as those who grew up with her referred to it. There, she met the love of her life, Louis Joe Bates. The two of them were married on June 29, 1963 in her hometown of Titusville, in front of a host of family and friends. From this union came three beautiful children: Angela Caroline Bates, Melissa Louise Bates, and Louis Bates Jr. In 2000 she welcomed into their family her daughter-in-love Faith Nkosi Bates. Esther became the proud grandmother of Amber Lux Archer, Gabrielle and Louis Bates III, who affectionately referred to her as Grandma Bates! She had a vast extended family which is too numerous to list and we apologize for not including the names of the many close friends that she served as a bonus mother and grandmother. In fact, some of these friends affectionately gave her the title and called her “Madear”. The Bates family home was known as a gathering place where Esther and her late husband, Louis loved to host and entertain family and friends. Two of their annual events were the masquerade party held in the basement where friends were required to dress up in creative costumes, and the winemaking celebration typically held every year around Labor Day weekend. The Bates Family Winery and Winefest was founded by Louis in 1975 and continued in operation and celebration until 2014. She prided herself in being the “hostess with the mostess”! Esther was a true world traveler! She traveled extensively, experiencing the world and bringing back stories and memories that enriched her life and those around her. Her passion for discovering new world cultures was sparked by her mother “Nana” who used to drive her and her sisters, and grandchildren on trips around the country. As a couple, Louis & Esther committed to having two trips per year, one with kids, and one without. They continued seeing the world and taking multiple trips per year. Their annual trip became the Jazz Cruise which allowed her to visit multiple countries and cultures while also listening to some of her favorite jazz musicians. After Louis passed, she kept up the tradition and became a veteran of the Jazz Cruise experience consistently for over 20 years. Other international travel destinations include: Jamaica, South Africa, Brazil, the French Riviera, London, Dubai, Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. So, what do you think that she did once she had grandchildren? Of course, she began her annual “Adventures” with her grandkids, taking them on site seeing journeys and trips wherever her car would take them. Most trips afforded them the opportunity to see national landmarks and historical homes and sites. Along these journeys she always pointed out places and histories that talked about the rich and proud African- American achievements. Trips to Niagara Falls, New York City, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and the Poconos were just a few of their adventures. As a reminder of each journey and throughout her lifetime, she took pride in capturing precious moments with a picture to commemorate each experience and achievement. A devoted and joyful member of The Peoples Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, Esther was known for her unwavering faith and devoted involvement in her church community. She was an active member in multiple ministries including Generation One, Nursing, Prayer Stitch, and Caregiver’s ministry (which she co-founded). Her warm presence and willingness to help others extended beyond her church walls, making a lasting impact on many who were blessed to know her. Esther actively engaged in numerous organizations including but not limited to those associated with her family and children like Jack and Jill of America- Montgomery County Chapter, the Links, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)- Montgomery County Maryland Section and the Alpha Wives Club of Montgomery County. A charitable giver, she supported many charities, missions, and missionaries throughout the world. Later in life she fell in love with a friend that she had known for years. Edward Martin became more than just a friend, their loving relationship and love for one another was seen by all and was highly admired. Edward even became a bonus Grandfather to her grandchildren and always joined them on their adventures. Known for her radiant smile and kind spirit, she made an impression on everyone she encountered. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of generational friends who knew her as a constant source of joy, support, and friendship. A lover of life, she touched the lives of many and will be remembered for her boundless energy, her beautiful smile, and her tireless commitment to family, faith, and community. Esther was preceded in death by Louis Joe Bates (Husband), Lewis Jordan (Father), Alethea Jordan Wells (Mother), Vicki Harmon (Sister), Elaine Moore (Sister), and Arland Jordan (Brother). Esther leaves to cherish her memory her children, two daughters, Angela Caroline Bates of Maryland, and Melissa Louise Bates of Maryland, and a son, Louis Bates Jr. (Faith) of Atlanta, Georgia; Grandchildren Amber Nicole Nkosi Lux Archer (Devon), Gabrielle Thandiwe Bates, and Louis Bates III all of Atlanta, Georgia; a sister Eloise Pannell of Hawaii; and a host of extended family members from the Bates, Jordan, Elmore, Bugg, and Bragg families. We celebrate her life, spiritual connection with the Lord, family, friends, and loved ones. May she rest in eternal peace.

Tributes

Esther Bates

July 15, 1940 - February 3, 2025