Bernice Ailene Bates

Bernice Maglothin Bates died at Craighead Nursing Center on February 13, 2024, at the age of 91.  She was born in Lake City to her parents Dessie and Arthur Lane.  They lived in and around Trumann and she graduated from Trumann High School in 1950.  She married her high school sweetheart, Ezra Maglothin and they were married over 25 years and had 4 children.  During that time, she worked as a librarian at Trumann Elementary School and continued her education taking classes at ASU.  Difficult years came and Bernice decided to change her vocation, she trained to become a Court Reporter and was successful in that job.  She became the lead Court Reporter for Judge John Lineberger in Fayetteville, a job which gave her much satisfaction.  While living there she met and married the true love of her life, Neil Bates.

Bernice and Neil were married for over 30 years.  During that time, they worked together representing Hooker and Sam Moore furniture in Arkansas.  They built their home on Petit Jean Mountain, where they enjoyed entertaining family and friends.  Bernice was very talented and enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, applique’, crocheting and knitting; many tokens of her love were made and given to those lucky enough to call her family.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed playing all kinds of games, she was the happiest when surrounded by people. Bernice made friends everywhere she went.

After surviving Multiple Myeloma, she and Neil moved to Jonesboro to be closer to family and became members of Southwest Church where they were active and loved.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Neil Bates; 3 children, Sherry (infant daughter), son Ezra (Scotty) Maglothin and daughter Linda (Maglothin) Bailey and two brothers Arthur Lee and Rick Lane.  She is survived by her son Doug Maglothin (Deborah) and stepson Frankie Bates (Cheryl) of Shiner, TX, and stepdaughter Francis Lindsey.   She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren from the Maglothin family and 2 granddaughters, 5 great grandchildren and 4 great- great- grandchildren from the Bates family.

Visitation will be at Emerson Memorial Chapel on Sunday, February 18, 2024, beginning at 1:00 pm. Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm.  Burial will take place at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.  Services will be directed by Chris Harrell of Compass Church.

The family wants to express our sincere thanks to The Bungalows of Jonesboro and Craighead Nursing Center for the compassionate care given to our mother.  Memorials may be sent to the Southwest Church Classic Seniors, 1601 James St, Jonesboro, AR 72401.