Nancy Hefner Bates

Nancy Hefner Bates, age 77, of Cornelia died Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, at a private health care facility following a brief illness.
Born in Miami, Fla., on Jan. 5, 1930, she was the daughter of the late James H. and Ruby Carmichael Hefner. She was a teacher and began her career in Habersham County in 1966 with 19 years of dedicated service to Habersham Central High School. She received numerous awards including Teacher of the Year, STAR Teacher and is recognized in the Habersham County Teachers Hall of Fame. She was a member of Cornelia First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder and clerk of sessions. She also was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority, the Georgia and National Council Math Teachers Association, the Retired Teachers of Georgia Association and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also was instrumental in the founding of the Habersham Christian Learning Center. She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth L. Bates; and sister, Barbara Chaffin.
Surviving are beloved husband of 57 years, Thomas L. Bates of Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Rick LaHayne of Clarkesville; brothers and wives, Dr. Lloyd L. Hefner of Birmingham, Ala., and Dr. James D. Hefner of The Woodlands, Texas; brother-in-law, Jack C. Chaffin of Apopka, Fla.; sister-in-law, Betty B. Sanders of Franklin, N.C.; grandchildren, Justin, Zachary, Nancy and Thomas LaHayne. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, at Cornelia First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Blaine Walker officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HCLC, 171 Raider Circle, Mount Airy, GA 30563; or to the Cornelia First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 165, Cornelia, GA 30531.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia