Bernice Imogene Bates

Bernice Imogene Bates, 81, of Sulphur Springs passed away May 29th in her home surrounded by family. She was born April 12, 1944 in Searcy, Arkansas to Jesse Bratton and Pearl Miller Bratton.

Bernice had lived in Northwest Arkansas for 52 years after moving from Southwest City, Missouri with her husband, Donald, who preceded her in death. She was a homemaker who enjoyed doing puzzle books and talking on the phone.

Along with her husband, Bernice was preceded in death by her parents.

Bernice is survived by three sons: Ronald Leon Bates of Decatur, Freddie Dean Bates of Sulphur Spring, and David E. Bates of Sulphur Springs; two daughters: Donna Spence of Colcord,Oklahoma, and Rebecca Jo Herron of Sulphur Springs; three sisters: Ruby, Mae, and Geneva; one brother, Omar; 23 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

A graveside service for Bernice will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 10:00am at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Gravette.