Joyce Bates

Joyce Bates (nee Lynn), age 80, passed away on October 12, 2025.

Joyce was born in Columbus on April 22, 1945 to Arthur and Estella Lynn. She was one of five children, and the only girl. She worked for many years as an insurance underwriter after college. When Joyce’s children were young, she was the “neighborhood mom,” and took care of all their friends who visited her home. She loved music and singing, and was a member of the United Methodist Church. Although she had strong opinions and a voice she wasn’t afraid to use, she loved everyone and was a deeply welcoming person. As a grandmother, she was no different; she adored her grandchildren and often said “nana’s the name, spoilin’s the game.” She loved shopping and fancy outings, taking her children and grandchildren to see the Nutcracker every year. Joyce was unconditional with her love–if anyone needed anything, she was there to help.

Joyce is remembered by her significant other Walter Deems; daughter Shannon Lawson and son Shane Bates; brother Jim (Wilma) Lynn; sister-in-law Barbara Lynn; dear friend Sandy Boger; grandchildren Jacob (Kaylee) Binion, Storme Lawson, Keelynn Lawson, and Xavier Lawson; great-grandchildren Onyx Binion and Everlee Binion; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Estella Lynn; her husband Herbert Michael Bates; and brothers Bill Haag, Tom Lynn, and Philip Lynn.

Joyce’s family invites loved ones to visit at Cotner Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 4 to 6pm with a service following at 6. Burial to take place on Thursday at 11am at CM Cemetery in Oak Hill Ohio.

Cotner Funeral Home is honored to oversee Joyce’s arrangements and to care for her family during this time.

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