Madge Bates

Madge Lewis Bates passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, August 15, 2025. Born March 12, 1932 in Greenbrier, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Luncford Blaydes and Margaret Ashford Lewis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Stanley Bates, and sisters Gladys Lewis Bass (Gary) and Loretta Lewis Corey (Jules). Madge graduated from Greenbrier High School and Winthrop College. While at Winthrop, she met Carl, the love of her life, with whom she spent 67 wonderful years together. They created a loving partnership, devoted to each other and committed to their family as it grew from two children to six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Throughout her years, she was a school teacher, a life long devoted Methodist at Greenbrier Methodist church and St. John's UMC (Rock Hill SC) where she was a Sunday school teacher, leader of the UMW, and member of various church boards. She was also a member of the Perihelion book club, Politeia Club, and many service efforts within her community. Madge's love for Carl was unwavering, always with a sparkle in her eye and always open to the joys life brought to them together. Madge was a wonderful homemaker and welcomed all with warm hospitality and grace. We are all grateful to have loved and been loved by her. The role she adored most was that of grandmother to her six grandchildren. She delighted in each one at each stage of their growth and rarely missed the big moments in their lives. She cherished her time with them and her house was always "home" to them. The family is deeply grateful to Madge's "Angels" who greatly enhanced and extended her life with their loving care: Nikki, Kimberly, Lynne, Lynda, Billie Jean, Rita, and Denise. We say a heartfelt special thank you to Jeffrey Leslie and the Riverview Hospice team especially Nikki, Holly, Lola and Chaplains Deb and Chris, who provided kind and compassionate care throughout her journey. Madge is survived by her children Hugh Bates (Daphne) and Rebecca Bates Jones (Stephen); grandchildren, Josh Bates, Vivian Rebh (Chris), Rebecca Jones, Daniel Jones, Bates Jones and Ruthie Jones; Great granddaughter Maxine Renee Rebh; and beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Family will hold a visitation on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Madge's home from 5:00 pm -7:30 pm. A Graveside Service will take place the following day, Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11 am at the Greenbrier Methodist Graveyard, Winnsboro SC followed by reception at the Lewis Family home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greenbrier Church cemetery fund 2199 Rion Road Winnsboro, SC 29180, or Riverview Hospice and Palliative Care, 2450 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net