Mary Lou Bates

Mary Lou Bates, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Embrace Hospice in South Carolina. Born in Elmira, NY, Mary Lou was the daughter of Thomas L. McDermott and Beatrice (Martin) McDermott.

She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Elmira College and dedicated over 30 years of her career to the insurance industry.

Mary Lou enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends. Her journeys took her all over the world, from Asia, where she walked the Great Wall of China, to Africa, where she visited Egypt, and throughout many European countries. She also traveled extensively across the United States, visiting numerous national parks, including Denali in Alaska.

She will be remembered for maintaining a very active lifestyle throughout her entire life. Mary Lou was a devoted volunteer at Brookgreen Botanical Gardens in Murrells Inlet. Deeply committed to her faith, she was an active and cherished member of Socastee United Methodist Church, where she directed the bell choir for many years and was also a dedicated member of the choir.

Mary Lou was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harold Bates. She is survived by her brother, Thomas L. McDermott (Myrtle Beach, SC), her loving nephews and niece, David McDermott (Malta, NY), Kimberly Mankes (Merritt Island, FL) and Thomas S. McDermott (Horseheads, NY). She is also survived by many close friends of the church including Jan Terrell.

A service will be held on Saturday November 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Socastee United Methodist Church 5575 Dick Pond Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588. Please visit https://www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com/ for online condolences.

Memorial contributions may be made to Socastee United Methodist Church.

Mary Lou will be remembered for her strength, her passion for her faith, her active approach to life, and for never forgetting to honor her niece and nephews' birthdays. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.