Debra Glynn Bates

Debra Glynn Bates, 71, of Front Royal, VA, went to heaven on November 7, 2025. Debra was affectionately known to most as "Meemaw."
Meemaw was born on June 16, 1954 in Chapel, NC to Henry and Frances Snead. Meemaw graduated Oakton High School in 1972. She met her husband, Edward in 1979 and they married July 24, 1982. After getting married the two settled in Manassas, VA. They lived there for several years before moving to Manassas Park for two years and eventually moving to Front Royal, VA in 1996.
Meemaw was a compassionate and caring woman, with a tender heart. Always willing to help someone in need. Meemaw absolutely loved children. After working at 7-11 for many years in Manassas, she decided to babysit children in her home in Front Royal. She happily babysat many children over many years. After her grandchildren got older, she decided to go back to work and started working at Mom's Country Kitchen as a dishwasher. Meemaw eventually became their prep cook and met many wonderful people that she thought of as family, not just her co-workers but her customers too. In 2021, Meemaw developed breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. She handled these extreme challenges like a champ, and came out victorious! After beating cancer, Meemaw fully retired from working in 2023.
Meemaw enjoyed being around people and her family. She also loved playing bingo and pull tabs. Meemaw hated peas. Always picking them out of her fried rice or any other food that had peas in it. Meemaw had a pet peeve when it came to children having dirty noses, and she saw to it that every child's nose was always clean. A habit that her family now fondly remembers with laughter.
"Mom" to 5 children, unless she didn't respond, then "DEBRA" in a stern voice would usually get her attention! Jennifer, Jaime, Jeremy, Jason and Justin. Yes, all J's which got confusing at times, even to her. Many times, calling us by the wrong name.
Meemaw is survived by her husband of 43 years, Eddie. Five children, Jennifer, Jaime, Jeremy, Jason and Justin. Two step-children David (Julie) and Tina (Chris). Grandchildren, Aaron (Jordan), Tyler (Amy), Chelsea (Robbie), Mackenzi (Tyler), Taryn (Jacob), Caleb, Kylie and Landon. Step-grandchildren, Sage (Bailey), Talynn (Wyatt), Jadynn, Montana, Jacob and Mason. Two great-grandchildren, Cole and Connor. Two brothers, Tim (Donna) and Mike (Carol). Two brother-in-law's, Bobby and Buck. Ten nieces and nephews. All the children she babysat over the years, many friends, co-workers and customers, all of which she thought of as family.
Meemaw is reunited in heaven with her parents, Henry "Pa Pa" and Frances "Gan Gan." Nephew Christopher Snead. Brother in laws, Kenny, John, Ronnie "Ernie" and Ricky "Seymore." And fur babies, Ginger, Alfie, Mindy, Sissy, and Sadie.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.