Addie M. Bates

Addie Mae Bates, known affectionately as Chicken, Momma Bates, Gansta Granny, and Adda Mae Bulla, was born on November 18, 1951, in Brownsville, TN, USA. She passed into eternal rest on June 8, 2024.

Addie lived most of her life in Elkhart, Indiana, where she was not just another resident, but a unique and irreplaceable part of the community. Addie was a loyal and reliable woman, who wore her heart on her sleeve. Her laughter was infectious, and her loving nature was a beacon of warmth to all who knew her. She was a dedicated General laborer at Kik Custom Products before retiring in 2006, but her true labor of love was her family. The bond she shared with her children, Nikita, Eddie, Carlos, Mamie, and Sonya, was a testament to her unwavering love and commitment.

Her siblings, Annette, Lovell, Henry, Brenda, Rosalynn, Michael, Ginger, Hosea, and Jeanette, can attest to her funny and lively spirit that kept their bond strong. Addie was a devoted member of Power In Praise Crusade Ministries, where she served as a Church Mother, lovingly known as Mother Bates. In line with the Pentecostal faith, she exemplified the verse, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." (Proverbs 31:25).

Addie's unwavering faith was the bedrock of her life, guiding her decisions and actions. She was a proud Grandmother of the Year, a title she earned through her endless love, care, and support. Addie was a lover of life, cherishing each moment she spent watching movies, dancing, and partying. She was known for her daily walks to Kroger for exercise, her volunteer work as a security officer for Carriage House Apartments, and her affectionate burgundy lipstick kisses that everyone wore on their faces with pride. Addie's favorite films included The Color purple, Avitar, Harder they fall, Django, Troy, Temptations, Titanic, and Boy in the Hood, and she loved the song, It's about time for a Miracle, by Beverly Crawford.

Addie is survived by her children Nikita (Wesley) Butler, Eddie (Gladys) Bates, Carlos Bates, Mamie Bates, and Sonya Jackson; her siblings Annette Bates-Porter, Lovell Bates, Henry Bates, Brenda Dandy, Rosalynn (Ricky) Bates, Michael Dandy, Ginger (Keston) Obiegbedi, Hosea Williams, and Jeanette (Dan) Dandy. She was preceded in death by her parents Mamie Bates and Eddie Dandy; her siblings Marie Owens, Chinna Campbell, Annette Dandy, Fannie Bates, and Bobby Bates; and her grandchildren Brandon Jackson and Danzel Johnson, and great-grandchildren Elijah Cassell and KrysLen Bates. As we remember Addie, we celebrate the joy, love, and laughter she brought into our lives. Please share your memories, stories, and photos on her memorial page, as we honor and remember a life lived to the fullest.

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