Mary Helen Chambless-Bates passed away peacefully on October 23, 2023. She was born in the sleepy farming community of Linden, Texas on May 22, 1923. She spent most of her childhood in Dallas and Kansas City before her family settled in Oklahoma City in 1937, where she fell in love with Merrill Chambless. The two were married five years later, in 1942.

Like so many other members of the greatest generation, Mary saw a future without limitations. In 1950, Mary became a buyer for Halliburton's department store. Within a few years, she was recruited by the Streets retail store chain where she would become the head buyer and vice-president. Mary and her husband Merrill bred and trained racehorses until his death in 1966.

She was remarried in 1977 to Jack Bates, a leader in the fashion industry, much like herself. Mary gracefully stepped into the role of mother to Jack's two children, Carol and Drew, and later became a grandmother to Carol's daughter, Alexandra.

Mary was as unique as they come: she was a successful careerwoman in the 1950s, something out of the ordinary for the time. She exuded unparalleled confidence and strength in her dealings as a business professional, and had the looks, sophistication, and class one rarely sees outside of Hollywood. In addition, Mary treated every single person she met with respect and kindness, never thinking twice about who they were, their station in life, or where they came from. She was a long-time member of Council Road Baptist Church where she forged many close friendships and was an irreplaceable addition to her congregation.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Laura and Guy Dillon; her brother, Royce Dillon; and the two loves of her life, husbands, Merrill Chambless and Jack Bates. Mary is survived by her sister, Darlene Morgan and her husband Glen; brother, Bill Dillon and his wife Deronda; stepdaughter, Carol Adamek and her husband, Keith; stepson, Drew Bates; and granddaughter, Alexandra Adamek. She is also survived by beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and an international community of friends.

Many thanks to Stephanie and the staff of Legends Assisted Living for their love and support. In knowing Mary, one could learn the following three important life lessons: 1. Never let anything stand between you and your goals. 2. Treat everyone as if they're the most important person in the world. 3. It's OK to wear white after Labor Day. And every day, for that matter.

Viewing will be 11am-8pm on Sunday, October 29 with family present from 3-5pm. Funeral services will be 2:00pm, Monday, October 30 at Mercer-Adams Chapel with interment in Fairlawn Cemetery. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com.