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Emma Bates Memoriam
Mrs. Bates, a cosmetologist for over 40 years and who was believed to have been the first licensed African-American beautician in Palm Beach County, died after a year-long bout with stomach cancer, said her son, Robert.
Robert said his mother had previously beaten breast and colon cancer.
Mrs. Bates was known as much for her work outside the beauty salon as she was for her work in it. She was the chairwoman of the Citizens Task Force, the group that gathered signatures to put the marina question on the Nov. 2 ballot last year. The ballot item called for a change to the city charter, banning industrial boat operations at the marina. It was approved with 54 percent of 8,221 votes that were cast.
"It shows that the people are concerned and care about what happens in their community," Mrs. Bates had said after the election.
Former City Councilwoman Lynne Hubbard said Mrs. Bates cared deeply for Riviera Beach.
"She was a true solider," Hubbard said. "No one worked harder for what they believed the residents in Riviera Beach deserved than Emma did."
Over the years, Mrs. Bates was the campaign manager for over a dozen candidates, Robert said. Hubbard said Mrs. Bates put in long hours during her successful campaign for City Council in 2007.
"She worked door-to-door," Hubbard said. "Some days I gave out before she did. She would say, 'No, we can do another street.'"
A native of Baxley, Ga., Mrs. Bates moved to the Glades as a child. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach, Robert said she took a few business management courses at what is now Palm Beach State College. Mrs. Bates later attended hair school in Riviera Beach and ran her own hair salon, Intimate Salon of Beauty, in the city for years.
"She was an inspiration to a lot of local beauticians," Robert said. "Everybody loved her."
Mrs. Bates is survived by her two sons, Robert, a 37-year-old hairstylist and make-up artist and Lorne Bridges, a 45-year-old former Martin County sheriff.
Robert said his mother was cremated, but the family is planning a memorial service this weekend. He said everyone attending is encouraged to wear something pink.
"She loved that color," Robert said. "Even our Christmas tree and Rudolph's nose were pink."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emma Bates
machelle williams
November 6, 2011
oh robert do i apoplogize for missing all that has happen in your life last month please forgive me.please know god shall see you though this.we love you machelle tumeka mattie &cora
Eddie Tillman
November 5, 2011
God bless your family,Your tireless effort to make change in people lives will always be remembered.
November 3, 2011
All I can say is WOW GOD sure takes the good one's Emma Bates was a wonderful woman and was the 1st hairstylist to touch my hair and she always had me looking glamorous for my school events, and as became older the SHOP became a place of relaxation for me over the years then Robert came along and continued his mother awesome work as a stylist, she will truly be missed. Peaches
Chris Williams
October 28, 2011
May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. ( 1 Cor. 1:3,4)
Mother Erma, Sheila, Stephanie, and Rosalyn Wade
October 27, 2011
With deepest sympathy to Robert and The Bates family.May God bless you, heal your hearts, and give you strength. As you take it "One Day At A Time".
LAVONNA FITZGERALD
October 27, 2011
WOW HOW STARTLED I AM TO COME TO THIS PAGE WITH A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE OF MY COLORED WAVES HAIR STYLIST AS I WAS SURFIN THRU THE PB.POST I MEET MS. EMMA IN 1989,AT INTIMATE'S SALON WHEN I 1ST WALK IN IT FELT WARMING AND WELCOMING.SHE ALWAYS MADE ME FELT LIKE HOME AND YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT I KNOWED HER AND ROBERT ALL MY LIFE. THERE WAS LOVE AND LAUGTHER ALWAYS FLOWING THRU THEM AROUND THAT SALON EACH TIME I VISITED FROM MIAMI, SHE ALWAYS KNEW WHAT I WANTED AND ALWAYS MADE ME HAPPY WITH WORDS OF ENCOURGEMENT AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF MY COLORED HAIR TILL I RETURNED TO HER.YOU WILL TRULY ALWAYS BE IN MY MEMORIES THERE WAS NEVER A DUAL MOMENT AROUND YOU AND ROBERT.I'M SMILING NOW BEHIND THE TEARS CAUSE I KNOW YOU'RE SMILING TOO MRS.EMMA YOU TOUCHED MY LIFE AND MANY OTHERS AS GOD ALLOWED THEM TO PASS THRU YOU.ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK GOD I GOT TO KNOW YOU,AND YOUR SON //WELL DONE //WELL DONE// MY BLESSED SISTER// REST ON,//REST ON, YOUR FATHER GOD HAS CALLED YOU HOME.//AND TO ROBERT MAY GOD STRENGTHEN YOU FROM DAY TO DAY IN YOUR LIFE.GOD BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY YOUR IN MY PRAYERS. LOVE,VON
STEPHANIE BARNEY
October 26, 2011
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL . I NEVER WILL FORGET MRS BATES SHE REALLY WAS A BLESSING TO KNOW . LOREN WAS MY BEST FRIEND ROBERT BE STRONG! AND KNOW GOD DOES'NT MAKE MISTAKES --LOVE YOU .STEPHANIE BARNEY
October 24, 2011
to the bates family, God hear our cries of distress and he will help you in your time of sorrow. Psalms 34:17,18
DEBBIE WARD-FERGUSON
October 23, 2011
Robert my prayers goes out to you and your family in the time of need , Mother Bates was a great woman and mother and friend she will be missed dearly. I love you and I ask God to comfort you and strengthen you in the time of need, be encourage and know that you are never alone. Please call me Debbie Ward if I could do anything for you .
Millie Harris
October 22, 2011
My Condolences to your family. Mrs. Emma used to lay those finger waves in my hair. Robert and Emma were the last beauticians to touch my hair the city of Riviera Beach, FL Rest in peace sweetie. Love you Robert.
Shana Lecounte
October 21, 2011
Omg!!!! Just scanning thru the obituaries looking for my aunt and ran across Mrs Emma. She had to be one of the funniest people I ever met and always being honest. Never held a thought. We have lost a true legend. Robert and family my prayers go out to yall and if any of you ever need anything let me know.
Rip Ms Emma. You will be truly be missed.
M Pleasant
October 20, 2011
"MAY THE WORK I'VE DONE SPEAK FOR ME"
She had such an impact on the city....Blessings
Cassandra Wooten
October 19, 2011
I met Emma in 1982 when I first arrived in Riviera Beach, FL. She was a wonderful person and we kept in touch all these years. She would give me advice whenever I needed it. God brings people in your life at different times and for different reasons. I thank God for bringing Emma into my life because I loss my mom too early. Robert, you all take care for your mother is with God. She is gone but will never be forgotten.
Judy - Soul Line Dancer
October 18, 2011
To Robert & Family,
May God hold you in his arms during your time of bereavement and comfort you when no one else is around.
Blessings,
Myrtline Morgan
October 17, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
October 16, 2011
Some people come and go, some make their presence known, some just walk in a room and enough is said.
Thanks for the years of knowing you. The conversations of police work, hair stuff, folks we both knew, and of course "THE MUCK"
Sharon Vereen
Cecily Mathis
October 15, 2011
Ms. Bates I love you and really going to miss you. You have always been an inspiration.
angela williamson
October 14, 2011
hi. giving honor to god for allowing us to know and love and share some fun, happy days! she would always asked for my mom ms. Tina. they shared love and freinship since i was a child. we all loved her. you to robert! we will miss her happy smile and bright pretty clothes and hats.
ROSIE JOHNSON
October 14, 2011
EMMA SITTING HERE THING ABOUT ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE SHARED AND THE THINGS YOU TAUGHT ME I WILL CHERISH THOSE TIMES FOREVER. YOUR MEMORIES WILL BE IN MY LIFE ALWAYS. SO REST IN PEACE AND I WILL MAKE SURE FOR YOUR KIDS JUST AS YOU WOULD DO FOR MINE.
LUV YA!
THE LEOPARD QUEEN
(ROSIE J)
Jewel & Margrett Williams
October 13, 2011
Robert & Lorne,
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family & friends. My mom and I will always keep your mother memories alive, she kept us laughing and smiling with her jokes and stories. I will never forget the story about driving to Carolina to the Dentist and don’t let Billy come in the shop and take over a conversation, boy she would let him have it, and we would be laughing and crying at the same time. Robert, Lorne, may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories and joyful times with your Mother, as we celebrate a life well lived.
Be Blessed
Sarita Fann
October 13, 2011
Will miss you Ms. Emma, my friend and leader in the fight. Thanks for the memories.
Tonya Davis Johnson
October 13, 2011
Your strength and gentle spirit will forever be remembered.
Detria Scruggs-DeBose
October 13, 2011
She was Ms, Emma Bates, "The Diva" to me. One of the nicest people I've ever met. Never changing, always the same. Thank you for fighting so hard in our community. Thank you for your kind words and advice when I finally tied the knot. You will truly be missed, but never forgotten.
Robert, my prayers are with you always. I know you will miss her, but know that she is with you at all times.
Yvonne Barber
October 13, 2011
Emma, I will miss that smile and the sincere "How you doing". My prays to the family and may you find Strength in God's Good Grace.
Warren Brown
October 12, 2011
To a truely loving person, I will always remember...she made my early yrs wonderful growing up in riviera bch. I believe GOD, has a place for her, blessed are her offspring for have a MOM who loved them.TWM again
Debra Peterkine
October 12, 2011
Emma, We love you,and you are missed dearly. Rest In Peace, from the Debra Peterkine and family. Riviera Beach,Fl
Sam Washington
October 12, 2011
Emma was a great city leader.
Debrah Hall
October 12, 2011
Thank you Ms. Emma for what you did for me. May God bless your family. Your memories will live on forever!
ROSIE JOHNSON
October 12, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Ola Bryant
October 11, 2011
Robert and Lorne,
On behalf of The Whites, Bryants, and Leapharts, we offer our sincere sympathy. Emma was family to us too. We have memories of her when she was getting signatures for that petition. Emma and I seemed to always call Emily at the same time and we would get our hello's to each other.
We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. May you find comfort in knowing that GOD needed a perfect pink rose and Emma was the perfect one GOD was looking for so he took her.
Comfort one another and hold on to GOD's hand.
Emily & Family, Ola & Family, Alfred and Al & Family
KATHY CARTER
October 11, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
JANICE
October 11, 2011
ROBERT & LORNE MAY GOD GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH AND WISDOM TO CARRY ON. CHERISH YOUR MEMORIES AND STAY CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER! GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU YOUR MOTHER WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HER MANY KIND DEEDS AND HER LOVING WAYS! PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY!
Connie Killings
October 11, 2011
Ms. Emma you always kept the salon lively!! I swear you could lay a finger wave better than anybody I've ever seen.. Take your rest Ms. Emma we love you but God loves you best!!! Gone too soon Stay strong Robert she's resting in the arms of the Lord... love you friend
Bridget Hester
October 11, 2011
My God forever bless you all Robert Iknow this was a hard pill but God will be your water to help ypu swallow it I loved Mrs Emma she always gave me good advice and she stood up for what she thought was right sadly missed but never forgotton
October 11, 2011
I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers during your time of berevement. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting your mom she was quite a lady. We shared many laughs and talks of life right there in her salon. I will never forget her colorful mannerism and vibrant ways. Stay strong and look to the hills for God's unchanging love!!
Paula Pritchard, Lake Park, Florida
October 11, 2011
Emma truly lived up to the words "Well done my good and faithful servant." She worked tirelessly in Riviera Beach for issues that affected all residents of Riviera, especially us on the West Side. To her famliy you have a true legacy to live up to and be proud of, carry on her works and keep her memory alive for generations to come. She was an African American Hero in Riviera Beach history!. Emma will be missed by many.
Marie Monroe Ames
Michael Jordan
October 11, 2011
Aunt Emma, well done my servant well done and may the works you have done speak for you. To the family, we have all been charged with a charge to have a relationship with God to assist us in getting through times like these that tend to be a bit hard. Remember, God can and God will take care of you. He is waiting on you with open arms peace and rest is what you will find in him.
Love Michael Jordan
Monica Keel
October 11, 2011
Keeping you and your family lifted up in prayers! My condolences! Love you, stay strong and in prayer!
Latif & Monica
XO
Donald Duncombe
October 11, 2011
To the sons and family of Emma Bates, We are extending our deepest sympathy at this time in the loss of our dear Sister Bates. You are in our prayers. God is too perfect to make a mistake and Earth has no sorrows that Heaven can not heal. Be encouraged, God will take care of you. Look up, for He's the best comforter. Be blessed!
Rev. & Mrs. Donald Cecil Duncombe
Bessie Mathis
October 11, 2011
May Yahweh strengthen you through your mourning.
Talishia Strickland Coleman
October 11, 2011
Blessings to the Bates family. I know she will be missed.
CAROLYN L. HARRIS
October 11, 2011
TO LORNE AND ROBERT,
I AM DEEPLY SADDEN TO HEAR OF YOUR MOTHER'S PASING. I MET HER AT RCA,IN 1970. WE BECAME AND REMAINED FRIENDS,EVER SINCE. TWO THINGS EMMA LOVE MOST WAS HER TWO SONS AND RIVIERA BEACH!!!!
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU NOW, AND HELP YOU THROUGH THIS SAD TIME. MY PRAYES AND LOVE ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU !!!!!!!!
CAROLYN LINCOLN HARRIS
AND
FAMILY
Linda Tomlinson
October 11, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Calla Sligo
October 10, 2011
Ms Emma you will truly be miss, it was alway a pleasure on a saturday morning, when you show up in the beauty shop, with FiFi. RIP
ALMA FILER
October 10, 2011
YOU WERE MY GODMOTHER---A WOMAN OF INTEGRITY. YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE A LADY AND STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE NO MATTER WHAT. YOU ACCEPTED ME AS YOUR OWN FROM THE AGE OF 7 WHEN I FIRST WALKED INTO INTIMATE. I WILL MISS YOU. BUT I KNOW WE WILL MEET AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE IN MY LIFE.--LOVE YOU MA...
SHE'
Councilwoman Judy Davis
October 10, 2011
My sincere condolences are extended to the family. She will be missed in this community.
Annie Nelson
October 10, 2011
My deepest sympathy to The Bates Family. May God bless you and give you strength.
Annie Hillman-Nelson
West Palm Beach, FL
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