Ms. Sarah K. Bates, age 86 of Greenville, South Carolina, transitioned on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Oaks at Chanticleer Greenville, South Carolina. She was born November 19, 1937, a daughter of the late William Alfred Bates and Herrietta V. Stepney Bates in the Arthurtown Community, Richland County, South Carolina.

Upon graduating from high school, she attended Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina, graduating with a bachelor's degree and later pursued a Master of Education at Clemson University. She relocated to the Upstate and taught in the Greenville and Anderson County Public School Systems until she retired.

She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young and was baptized at Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. It was later in her adulthood, that she joined Tabernacle Baptist Church on Hudson Street where she taught Sunday School and supported her church with her time and talents.

She leaves to cherish warm memories, a daughter Jessica N. Bates of Anderson, South Carolina; two grandsons, Isaiah Syncere Devonte Babb Bates, and Jahkai McDowell both of Greenville, South Carolina; her beloved German Shepard, Lady Bates whom she adored.

The public viewing will be on Wednesday from 10-6 pm at Beasley Funeral Home Greenville.

Celebrating her life and legacy will be held 12 Noon, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Tabernacle Baptist Church with Senior Pastor Bryon L. Battle Sr., officiating. Burial will be 12 Noon, Friday, September 20, 2024, in the Bates Family Cemetery located at 808 Barnes Street, Columbia, South Carolina.

Beasley Funeral Home, Greenville is in charge of arrangements.