About
Wanda Bates Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Wanda Sue "Wandie" Bates announces her passing on January 16, 2026, in Kalamazoo, MI. Wanda Sue "Wandie" Bates was born on July 13, 1955, to Mose and Flossie Bates of Chicago, IL. "Wandie," along with her family, relocated to Kalamazoo, MI, in 1974.
Wanda graduated from Waller High School, Chicago, IL. Upon moving to Kalamazoo, she was employed at Aluminum Finishing Company. However, her most fulfilling job was caring for children of all stripes. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have an aunt who steps in like a second mother. Aunt Wandie was that person for us, steady, nurturing, and always there when we needed someone to lean on. She wasn't loud about her care, but you felt it in everything she did. Losing her feels like losing a source of quiet strength.
She was preceded in death by Mose and Flossie Bates, brother Robert Bates, Iva Jean Bates, and Betty Jo Johnson. And her soul-mate Frank Mixon Sr., of Chicago, IL.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory four stepchildren, Glennis Grant, Dawonn, (Cliffery) Grant, Frank Mixon Jr., and Talina Mixon, all of Chicago, IL. Two sisters, Florine Peoples of Chicago, IL, and Linda Bates of Kalamazoo, MI. Three brothers, Lindsey (Loretta) Bates, Dion (Nayakia) Bates, and John Bates, all of Kalamazoo, MI; very special niece, Delandra (Panda) Fry; forever her loving great-nephew, Jayce Bates; great-niece, Aryah Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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303 Balch Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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