Nancy Irene Bates

Nancy Irene (Jessup) Bates, 79, of Westville, passed away at 8:05 am, Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Arbor Terrace-Ortega in Jacksonville, FL. She was born October 24, 1938, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Allen and Helen (Rucker) Jessup. She was preceded in death by her parents and step-mother Mary (Easterday) Jessup, and two sisters Ginny Sonntag and Karen (Greg) Martin. She was united in marriage to Richard Bates on June 15, 1957, in Westville. He was her best friend and love of her life. He preceded her in death. She will be missed by: her children Terry (Lin) Bates of Sidell, and Tammy (Gary) Burrows of Jacksonville, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryne Bates of Sidell, Kalyn (Reece Robinson) Bates of Sidell, Katie Burrows (Jonathon Gaff) of Lemont, and Erin Burrows of Jacksonville, FL. ; two great-grandsons, Oliver and Ozzie Robinson of Sidell; and her beloved cousin, Patricia Swingle of Danville. Nancy was a graduate of Westville High School. She worked many years as a secretary for a variety of places, including Vacketta Ford and United Brokers Real Estate. She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Westville and later Community Church of God in Danville. Nancy was active throughout her life in various community organizations, such as the Westville Women's Club, where she served as president, Westville Jaycees, and was a founding member of the Westville Booster Club. Nancy enjoyed doing a variety of crafts, including sewing, macrame', and ceramics. She loved to complete family scrapbooks, especially of her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with Dick and spending time with the friends they had throughout their marriage. Nancy was very proud of the family she raised, and loved seeing it grow through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A committal service will be held at a later date at Danville National Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in her name to Heartland Hospice, 8130 Baymeadows Way W 201, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.