Lana Bates

Funeral Mass for Lana Johnson Robinson Bates, a resident of Alexandria, formerly of Cottonport, will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport with Fr. Charlie Ray officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Anthony Cemetery in Cottonport. Visitation will begin at 10:00am until the time of service on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home.

Ms. Lana Johnson Robinson Bates, age 72, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 7:20AM at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love, dedication, and service. While her departure leaves mourning hearts, we celebrate the precious moments she shared with family, friends, and all who were blessed by her presence.

Born on October 21, 1952, to the union of the late Marvin Johnson and Wilma Lazine Johnson, Lana’s life began in a family that would grow with love and strength. From this union, five children were blessed into the world: Gregory M. Johnson (Julie) of Cottonport, LA; Lola M. Jackson of Alexandria, LA; Donald A. Johnson of Cottonport, LA; and a beloved brother Billy Ray Bazert, Sr. (Vanlisa) of Houston, TX. Lana was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Johnson; her late husband Mr. William S. Bates, Jr. of Shreveport, LA; as well as paternal grandparents, Henry Johnson and Virgie Martin Johnson; and maternal grandparents, Lola B. Augustine and Cleveland Lazine.

Lana’s educational journey began at St. Anthony’s Catholic Elementary in Cottonport, La; George Washington Carver High School in Bunkie La, where she graduated with the Class of 1970, and was named Homecoming Queen in 1970. She furthered her studies at Grambling State University before earning her master’s degree in education from Northwestern University in 1978. Her commitment to learning and her passion for guiding others led her to a fulfilling career in teaching within the Avoyelles Parish School System from 1978 to 1990. She concluded her teaching career at Dorothy Eisenberg Elementary in Las Vegas, NV, where she touched countless lives with patience, wisdom, and unwavering support.

On September 4, 1971, Lana was united in holy matrimony to Robert Robinson, Sr. To this union, one daughter was born, Tonya Devon. Later in life, on June 27, 1986, Lana was united in marriage to William S. Bates, Jr.

She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Tonya Devon Robinson Charles of Las Vegas, NV, and a cherished uncle, Johnny Johnson (Mary Lee) of Cottonport, LA. Lana was instrumental in nurturing the life of her niece, Lawanna Jackson of Alexandria, LA. A generous and loving sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Lana’s memory will endure in the hearts of a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.

Lana’s family was the center of her world. Lana’s legacy lives on in the lessons she taught, the examples she set, and the countless lives she touched through her years of service and love.

Those honored to serve as active pallbearers: Shane Williams, Jahzir Williams, Marvis Gaines, Sr., Farrell Johnson, Sr., Anthony Oby, Sr., and Ricky Hayes. Honorary pallbearers: Billy Ray Bazert, Sr., Arthur Ray Martin, Percy Celestine, Jr., Curtis Celestine, Stanley Celestine, Sr., Emile Celestine, Randy Johnson, Johnathan Williams, Michael Williams, Byron Lofton, Donald Johnson, Gregory Johnson, Jimmy Morris, Isaac Ralph Kyle.

We, her family and her friends, hold dear memories of Lana- a devoted mother, a passionate educator, a steadfast sister and aunt, and a cherished confidant. May she rest in peace and may all who loved her find comfort in the light of her enduring legacy.