Ella Mae Orr Bates, daughter of the late Henry Jefferson and Elizabelle Eddie Williams, was born in Morrilton, Arkansas on August 28, 1937, and passed away at her home in Sikeston, Missouri on March 1, 2014, at the age of 76 years, 6 months and 1 day.

Mrs. Bates had lived in Morehouse, Missouri since 1960. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morehouse, Missouri and had worked as a waitress.

On June 9, 1956, she was married to George W. Orr in Hernando, Mississippi. He preceded her in death on November 6, 2005.

Surviving are 6 daughters, Janice McQueen of Copperas Cove, Texas, Brenda Kay Stinnett of Morehouse, Alice Fay conner of Poplar Bluff, Patricia Ann Carmack, Julia Marie Lutes and Rebecca Lynn Gregory all of Sikeston; three step-sons, Terry & Donald Gordon both of Sikeston, Scotty Gordon of Morehouse; 17 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; four brothers, Billy, Charles and Gary Williams all of Casa, Arkansas, Orvil Joe Williams of Perry, Arkansas; four sisters, Vivian McGee of Lepanto, Arkansas, Geraldine Watts of Perryville, Arkansas, Anna Lee Nix of Bigelow, Arkansas and Mary Ruth Wirth of West Memphis, Arkansas.

Other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by 3 grandsons, Edward Stinnett, Jr, Colton Guzman and James Michael Conner; one granddaughter, Baby Girl Lutes; one step-son, Dennis gordon and one brother, Woody Williams.

Friends may visit Wednesday, March 5, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Morehouse, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 6, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Morehouse, Missouri with the Rev. Randy Conn of Morley, Missouri officiating.

Interment with be in the New Morley Cemetery in Morley, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Morehouse in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com
Watkins & Sons Funeral Service
info@watkinsfuneralhome.com or phone 573 624 3548