Johanna Ann Bates

Johanna “Jo” Stevenson Bates went to be with her Lord at 6:05 AM, Friday, November 29, 2013 after a long stay at Baptist Hospital and Summer Place, Beaumont, TX. Jo was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Houston, Harris County, TX May 25, 1945, daughter of Vincent Avery and Josephine (Traina) Stevenson.

Jo was a loving, caring and giving person, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was a great bridge player and loved spending afternoons playing with her friends. Jo was a talented painter and artistic in flower arrangements and other crafts.

Jo was an animal lover and her dachshunds, Layla and Penney miss her as do we all. Jo loved to spend time on the patio, reading, accompanied by her little friends.

On June 9, 1978, Johanna was united in marriage to Donald “Don” Bates, who survives. Johanna was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Shirley Lynn Hyett. Survivors include her sister, Shirley (Walt) Dunn of Elizabeth, NC; brother, Carl of Houston, TX and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her step-children, Diana, Ken, David (Teri) and Barbara Bates, all of Houston; six step-grandsons and one step-granddaughter.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 3rd at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home. A gathering of friends and family will begin at 1:00 PM until the 2:00 PM service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, 755 S. 11th St, Beaumont, TX 77701 or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741.