February 22, 2021
Frances Shehane Bates age 75 of Smithville went home to be with the Lord on Sunday afternoon, February 21, 2021 at Centennial Medical Center. She was born March 13, 1945 to her parents, the late Shelia Robert and Julie Mai Williams Shehane. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Joy Spencer; 6 brothers, Robert, Hoyte, Toy B., Ben, Maxi, and Frank Shehane; 6 sisters, Olena Shehane, Willene Saylors, Lura Jean Reeder, Mae Lattimore, Mary Lattimore and Alma Swafford. Mrs. Frances had worked at Texas Boot, Hardee’s and the nursing home. She was a member of the Smithville First Freewill Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Harlon Bates of Smithville; 2 daughters, Sharon Malone of Smithville and Misty (Carl) Warden of Cookeville; step-children, Jeff and Chris Bates of Cookeville, Carol Sue Morris of Sparta; son-in-law, Steve Spencer of Smithville; grandchildren, Hope, Kayla, Brandon, Chase, Chelsie, Keely, Tarren and Layra; step-grandchildren, Robert and David Spencer; great-grandchildren, Azzy, Zack, Azlaya, Everly, Endley, Jaylenn, Kymbrence, Myla, Laykin, Laycee, Logan, Josiah, Tanner and Levi; 1 sister, Jessie Bell Johnson of Smithville. Funeral services will be 4:30 PM Wednesday February 24, 2021 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bernard Houk and Bro. Michael Hale officiating and burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday 4 PM until 7 PM and on Wednesday 11:AM until the time of the service at 4:30 PM at DeKalb Funeral Chapel. Due to COVID -19 and social distancing guidelines, we ask for the health and safety of everyone that you please exercise social distancing. The funeral home chapel is marked off to respect these guidelines and allow 100-125 for the service. The funeral home lounge is closed at this time and NO food or drinks are allowed in the funeral home. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.