Rev. Dr. Veronica Bates, 61 of Charlotte, NC passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Levine and Dickson Hospice House - Aldersgate.

Our precious mother, Rev. Dr. Veronica Iona Bates (Roni), transitioned from this earthly life to life eternal on Thursday, August 19th, 2021 in Charlotte, NC. She was born February 24th, 1960 to the late Emma Fields Sutton Simmons and Alton Sutton Sr.

Rev. Bates and her family lived in Kinston, NC for most of her early years before moving to Charlotte, NC in 1969. There were a lot of things in Rev. Bates childhood years that continued on as she became an adult. Like her love for math, baking, singing (even though she didn't think she did it well…she said I'm going to sing anyway because I'm making a joyful noise unto the Lord), helping others and her love for the church!

She was a graduate of West Mecklenburg High School in 1978 and attended CPCC and Rutledge College. After college she began working for Wells Fargo (which was then named First Union) for several years. Rev. Bates joined Parkwood Institutional CME Church on Parkwood Avenue in 1996 and continued her spiritual journey with the Lord and the church family under the leadership of Rev. Rayfield Medcalf. She was called to preach and licensed in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. She was ordained a Traveling Deacon in 2012 and ordained a Traveling Elder in 2014. She started with online classes in the fall of 2010 and never looked back! Rev. Bates received her Bachelor's degree in 2015, her Master's degree in 2016 and her Doctorate in 2019 from Life Christian University. She took care of her grand babies, fed the homeless, volunteered in the community and still was able to maintain Summa Cum Laude throughout her whole educational journey!

Rev. Bates served as one of the Local Preachers, Leader of Leaders for the Class Leaders, Sunday School Teacher and Co-chair of the Board of Evangelism. I'm sure we can all agree "What a Woman"! She will be sorely missed for her infectious smile and loving spirit.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather; Willie Simmons, mother-inlaw Ella Bates and brother; Alton Sutton Jr. She will be forever remembered and cherished by her husband; Robert Edward Bates Sr., sons; Randy L. Brown, Rogers Brown, daughter-in-law; Brittany Brown, step-son; Robert Bates, Jr. stepdaughter; Tanica Bost, sisters; Linda Mintz, Gail Sutton Boyd, Wanda Sutton Weathers, Regina Sutton Anderson (James), brother; Reginald Sutton, grandsons; Dontrez Hood and Tymon Hollaman. Granddaughters; Gia Brown, Harmoniee Brown, Dallas Brown and granddaughter to be; Parker Brown. Several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family of Rev. Dr. Bates thanks you all for the prayers, calls and text messages during their time of loss. All donations will be given to the grandchildren and can be sent to the address below:

Mr. Randy Brown

7833 Arboretum Drive

Apt 108

Charlotte, NC 28270