Shirley Faye Manning Bates stepped heavenward February 5th to join her beloved husband, Leonard Bates. Shirley was 88 years young. She loved life and loved her family. She was a devoted follower of Christ. Shirley was someone who touched everyone around her. She was an educator and a mentor her whole life. She was born October 19, 1932 in Henderson Texas to Roy and Mildred Manning. Shirley lived most of her life in Oklahoma. She graduated from Ardmore High school in 1950. She was married in May 1953 in the McClure Chapel in Ardmore. Leonard and Shirley had 3 children: Michael Leonard Bates was born 1954 in Ardmore Oklahoma. Michelle Lynn Bates was born 1955 in Ardmore Oklahoma. Melissa Lea Bates was born 1969 in Norman Oklahoma. The family moved to Moore, Oklahoma in 1961. Leonard was a principal in the Moore public schools while Shirley received her Bachelors of Education Degree from OU. Both were beloved Educators their entire lives. Shirley taught Elementary School, was an Educational Book Editor, and created her own Reading Clinic. Shirley was Founder and Director of several Preschool Programs and Childrens Director and Administrator for several churches. Shirley was multi-faceted and multi-talented. She was organized and passionate about everything she did. She put Christ first in all of her endeavors but her true passion in life was her family. Everyone was better for knowing Shirley Bates. Loving wife, encouraging mother and doting grandmother. Shirley was always there when you needed her. Shirley is survived by her 3 children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Son, Michael Leonard (Cindy) 4 children, Sarah, Jessica (Tristan), (great-grandson Roland), Dylan, & Cailean. Daughter, Michelle Noah (Terry) 4 children, Emily (Jin), (great-grandson Noah), Molly, Jack (Katie),& Ben. Daughter, Melissa Morgan (Dean) Katie, Joshua (Maddy), Halee, & Cooper. Shirley left a Godly Legacy that will follow in generations to come. Visitation: Mercer Adams, Saturday, February 27, 6:00-8:00pm. Burial: Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, Monday, March 1, 10:00am. The service will be live streamed from Old Trinity of Paseo Church on Sunday. . Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Saturday, February 27, 2021 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Viewing will be 9am-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Graveside Service Resurrection Memorial Cemetery Monday, March 01, 2021 10:00 AM 7801 N.W. Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73162