BATES, Virginia C., age 75, of Plant City, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2003. Mrs. Bates was born and raised in Plant City and moved to Lake City, Fla. in 1988, where she spent 15 years with her family and friends before moving back to Plant City. She was a Baptist and a member of the Columbia Baptist Church in Lake City. She volunteered with various service organizations and worked as a nurses aid throughout her life before she retired. Survivors include two sons, Howard Shepardson of Lake City and W. Lee Shepardson and his wife, Deborah of Crystal River; two daughters, Valdenna "Dennie" Hall of Thonotosassa and Edna "Layne" Sheppard of Tampa; one brother, James Sparks of Plant City; one sister, Margaret Norris of Plant City; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 19, 2003 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and services will be on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Wells Memorial Chapel with Reverend Thomas Hemby officiating. Interment will be at Turkey Creek Cemetery . In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Turkey Creek Baptist Church, 4915 W. Trapnell Road, Plant City, FL 33566.
Wells Memorial Funeral Home
Lacey McClellan and Staff
813-752-1111
Dignity Memorial
www.dignitymemorial.com
Obituaries The Tampa Tribune - September 19, 2003