Joyce Ann "Bates" Eggleston

Mrs. Joyce Ann Bates Eggleston was born August 24, 1947, to the late Edward Bates and the late Dallas Cobb Bates in Colbert County, Alabama. She was the seventh of fourteen children. On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Lord gave Joyce her wings to her Heavenly home. Joyce gave her life to Christ at an early age and became a member of Bethel Colbert M.B. Church. There she was very active in several ministries, including being a member of the usher board, she was a Sunday School teacher, and taught regularly at Vacation Bible School. Joyce was also a dedicated member to the mass choir and acted as President of her Missionary Society. Joyce was also an engaged member of the marriage ministry. Joyce was a graduate of Leighton Training School with the Class of 1966 and was a proud member of her school's marching band, where she took pride in being the head majorette. She held many jobs in her lifetime, including working in hospitality with Comfort Inn Hotel, where she ministered to others through service. Joyce Ann married the love of her life, Mr. Percy L. Eggleston, on March 12,1969. She and he shared a beautiful, blended family of three daughters. Joyce loved fashion and making all things look pretty. She especially loved talking with her sisters via the telephone. Joyce was also an avid reader and loved the Lord. Joyce shared a love of interior design and craft making. Joyce was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Bates Ingram, three brothers, Robert L. Bates, John Bates, and Clarence Bates, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories: Her husband, Percy L. Eggleston; two daughters, LaWanda E. Owens (William) of Conyers GA, and Tammie Wilson (Robert) of Muscle Shoals, AL; one step-daughter, Mirinda Terry of Muscle Shoals, AL; four grandchildren, Morgan Owens of Conyers, GA, Sydney Owens of McDonough, GA, Korey Owens of Stockbridge, GA, and Brittany Terry Madden of Madison AL; one great-grandchild, Nya Nelson (Sydney); eight sisters, Ida (Edward) Nance of Sheffield, AL, Gladys (McCoy) Jackson of Leighton, AL, Edna Hamilton of Muscle Shoals, AL, Susie (Bill) Walker of Lansing, MI, Thelma Swift (Mike) of Traverse, City MI, Pauline (Roosevelt) Beasley of Lansing, MI, Hazel Horton of Leighton, AL, and Carolyn Bates of Leighton, AL; one brother, James W. Bates of Berlin, Germany; three sisters-in-law, Odessa Eggleston of Muscle Shoals, AL, Carrie (Emmitt) King of Muscle Shoals, AL, and Eloise Jamar of Montgomery, AL; two brothers-in-law, Johnny Eggelston of Muscle Shoals, AL, and Ted Eggleston of Lawrenceville, Ga; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Ann (Bates) Eggleston, please visit our floral store.