Anna L. Bates

NNA LINETTE BATES (NÉE SCOTT), daughter of the late Otha and Anna Melinda Scott, was born on June 29, 1941. Simply referred to by her middle name, Linette, she was the first of four children who were all dearly loved by their parents. Her brother, Melvin Leo Scott, preceded Linette in death in 2018. Linette was raised in Reedsville, Va. and educated in the Northumberland County public school system. In 1959, she graduated from Central High School in Heathsville, Va. At the center of everything was Linette’s love of family. One of her fondest childhood memories was the annual retreat where her family would get baptized off the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Afterward, everyone would gather for food and fellowship. Linette moved shortly after graduation from her small town in Virginia to Baltimore, Md. to live with her paternal aunt Annie Olney. Linette was fiercely independent, tough, and opinionated—all traits that served her well. She quickly acclimated to her new hometown, which was full of possibilities. It is in Baltimore where she began her career, bought her first car (a green four-door Buick Regal), met the love of her life, the late Clifton “Cee” Bates, and started a family. Linette was a devoted wife and loving mother to Keith E. Bates, who preceded her in death in 2021, and Donna L. Bates. Linette demonstrated strength and compassion throughout her life. Deeply committed to doing what was best for her family, she was a staunch advocate for disability rights. Together with Cee, they fought tirelessly to not only ensure, but demand Donna be afforded fair and equitable treatment. In many instances, they paved the way for other children with disabilities. Linette loved the holiday season, especially Thanksgiving when she spent days preparing a large meal and a variety of desserts for family and friends. Every New Year’s Eve there was a fresh pot of chitterlings – that she meticulously cleaned for hours – stewing on the stove and a line of people waiting for a bowl of her southern delicacy. Linette valued continuous education and believed that it was never too late to learn. While working full time at Lucent Technologies (formerly AT&T Technologies), she took weekend classes to avoid disrupting her family’s routine. After five years, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Her degree presented her with opportunities that led to roles with increasing responsibilities and promotions before she retired from Lucent after 30 years of service. Linette looked forward to spending time with her three best friends – Phyllis Conaway, Shirley Foster, and Cordelia Sykes. For many years, they traveled together on bus trips to places like New York City, Reading, Pa., and Canada, “shopping ‘til they dropped.” Paul and Novella Nichols were close family friends for more than 50 years and constant companions of Linette and Cee’s, sharing their love of sports, traveling, and good food. A woman of many talents, Linette enjoyed sewing, drawing, cooking, baking, and gardening. Her love of cooking was well known by everyone who visited the Bates home. She passed that passion onto her son who loved to cook as much as she did. They routinely traded recipes and teased each other on who was the better cook. The baton was later passed to Linette’s granddaughter, Shanina L. Jones, who studied culinary arts. Linette also grew her own vegetables and herbs for many years, sharing her bounty with family and neighbors. While battling her illness with strength and dignity, Linette was called to eternal rest on July 26, 2022. She will be missed immensely and leaves to mourn: her faithful daughter, Donna (Windsor Mill, Md.); granddaughter, Shanina (Glen Burnie, Md.); great-granddaughter, Skylar L. Jones (Glen Burnie, Md.); two sisters, Ruth Scott (Baltimore, Md.) and Vivian Johnson (Haynesville, Va.); six sisters-in-law, Althea Bates (Columbia, Md.), Merian Bates (Catonsville, Md.), Brenda D. Bates (Union, S.C.), Bessie Bates (Detroit, Mich.), Carolyn Bates (Sicklerville, N.J.), and Rebecca Rawlings Scott (Baltimore, Md.); brother-in-law, Russell Bates (Sicklerville, N.J.); many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Anna L. Bates

June 29, 1941 - July 26, 2022