Miriam Bates

Miriam Grigsby Bates CHARLOTTE - Miriam Grigsby Bates died on January 25th, 2017, in Charlotte after a long illness. She was 90 years old. Born in Prairie View, Texas to Jefferson Eugene Grigsby and Purry Dixon Grigsby, Miriam moved to Charlotte with her family when she was six years old. After graduating from West Charlotte High School, she entered Hampton Institute, where she majored in science and graduated with a BS degree. She moved to New Haven, CT after graduation to enroll in an X-Ray technology program at Yale's Grace New Haven Hospital. Miriam met her husband, Bernell H. Bates in New Haven. Together they had two children, Karen and Patricia. After working as a registered X-ray technician, Miriam worked as a teacher in the New Haven public schools for 16 years. Shortly after her husband died in 1976, she returned to Charlotte and taught in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system until she retired in 1991. Miriam was actively involved in several civic and social organizations, and a lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church, where she held several leadership positions. She was also on the board of directors of the School Workers Federal Credit Union (now known as First Legacy), which her father co-founded. Miriam Grigsby Bates is survived by her daughters Karen Grigsby Bates (Bruce W. Talamon) and Patricia M. Bates and one grandson, Jordan Talamon. She is also survived by her brother, Marvin O. Grigsby of Charlotte, two sisters-in-law, Mildred B. Crawford of New Haven, CT and Mattie S. Grigsby of Charlotte, as well as many beloved family members and friends. Two brothers, J. Eugene Grigsby, Jr. and Donald D. Grigsby, preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at First United Presbyterian Church at 406 N. College St. in Charlotte at noon on Saturday, April 15th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the J.E. Grigsby Scholarship Fund at First United Presbyterian Church or the American Heart Association.