Mary Jo Bates, age 78, of Talbott, TN, passed away Friday, April 7, 2023.

Mary Jo was a retired state employee with 40 years of service, a loving mother, and a long time member of Panther Springs United Methodist Church.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lida Carr; brother, Don Carr; and sister, Delores Carr. Surviving relatives include husband, Bob Bates; daughter, Lisa Bates (Mack) Tester of Shelby NC; grandson, Conner Tester; granddaughter, Brooke Skye Potts of Deltona, Florida; brothers, Bob Carr (Hope) of Dandridge, TN and Gary Carr (Linda) of Jefferson City, TN; nephews, Jason Carr (Karen), Stephen Carr (Sonyna), Rick Carr (Rachel), and Mike Carr; niece, Susie Wears (TJ); many other family and friends; and special Florida Friends, John and Robin Potts and Marie Kaplan (Jim).

The family will receive friends at Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown, TN from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 followed by a funeral service at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Owen Stricklin of Deland, Florida and Rev. Mack Tester of Shelby, NC officiating the service.

Graveside service will be Thursday, April 13th at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Jefferson City, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mountain View Cemetery Fund, Attention: Carolyn Hill, 1130 Mountain View Church Rd. Jefferson City, TN 37760 or a charitable organization of your choice.

Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.