Jean Elizabeth Bates

COLUMBIA - A remembrance service for Jean Elizabeth Bates, 66, will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church, 125 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC 29223. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

Mrs. Bates died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, from complications associated with liver disease. Born in Defiance, Ohio, but a resident of Columbia, S.C., for the past 32 years, she was a daughter of the late Donovan James and Helen Howey Swallen. Mrs. Bates attended Mount Carmel School of Nursing, Ohio State University and the University of Toledo before choosing to dedicate her life to being a caring wife, mother, and grandmother.

Mrs. Bates was a seasoned traveler who circled the world in recent years with her husband, Tom. Travel to many other countries, near and far, filled their time. Closer to home, she was an avid bowler as an active member of the Morning Glories Bowling League, which was recently renamed Jean’s Morning Glories in her honor. An outstanding and tireless cook, she spoiled her family and friends with incredible food. She was also an active member of Curves Fitness and a longtime member of Spring Valley Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are her husband of 43 years, Tom Bates of Columbia; son, Ward Bates and wife Jennifer of Winter Park, Fla.; sister, Leann Brown and husband Jonathon of Atlanta, Ga.; and granddaughters, Madeline Bates (2 yrs. old) and twin granddaughters expected in June 2009.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to The MUSC Foundation - Liver Transplant Fund (In Memory of Jean Bates), 18 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29403.

Please sign online guest book at www.dunbarfunerals.com.