Steven Chester "Butternut" Bates

Steven Chester Bates, known as Steve or "Butternut" by close friends, of Triangle, VA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 26, 2025 at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in Woodbridge, VA. He was 62 years old.
Steve was born in Dumfries, VA to Garnell Bates and the late Sadie O. Cole Bates on March 13, 1963. He accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior at an early age. He was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Triangle, VA. He went to school at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, VA.
Steve loved to cook, and worked previously as a cook for several establishments. He also loved to drive, and obtained his commercial driver's license (CDL) in order to operate large vehicles for his trade as a truck driver; He worked as a truck driver for over two decades. Before his health began to decline, Steve loved being around friends and family, whether attending a cookout or hanging out with his friends while watching a Dallas Cowboys game.
Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Sadie Bates and uncles LeRoy Bates and Wilson Bates.
Steve is survived by his father, Garnell Bates; children, Tiara Marcone (Dominic) and Jamarion Jackson; sister Venette Williams; granddaughter Zaleyah Jackson; and partner of 18 years Karen Cary; along with a niece Kaye Washington, nephews Darrell Williams and Yarnell Williams, and several cousins. He will always be remembered not only by family but his many close friends in the area. He had a close relationship to his cousin Angie Davis.
The family of Steven Bates wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the care team at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Mount Zion Baptist Church, and friend of the family Allen Jones for their help during this difficult time.