Carolyn "YaYa" Dickens Bates

Name: Visitation
Start: 01/13/2023 10:00 AM
End: 01/13/2023 12:00 PM
Location: Edmond Fahey Funeral Home

March 3, 1957 — January 9, 2023

Diamondhead, MS

Carolyn "YaYa" Dickens Bates, 65, of Diamondhead, MS, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023.

Carolyn grew up and raised her family in Prentiss, MS. Desiring to be closer to her children and grandchildren, she moved to Diamondhead, MS about ten years ago. She spent over 40 years in nursing. During those years, she worked at Jefferson Davis Community Hospital, helped build Sojourner's Geriatric Psych Unit, and spent many years in nurse supervisory roles. She finished her career at Southern MS Planning & Developing District.

Carolyn was well loved by everyone she met and showed that love back, especially to her family, neighbors, friends, and church community, Jacob's Well Baptist Church. Some of her favorite things were arts and crafts, boating to the islands, spending time with her pets, and Alabama football. YaYa, which she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and many others, especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, and never missed their sporting events.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruby Dickens.

She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Royce Bates; two daughters, Shelly Bates Roley (Tommy) and Kayla Powell (Matthew); three grandkids, Matthew, Fisher, and Mia; step-granddaughter, Savannah Roley; great-grandson, Hugh Roley; two siblings, James Earl Dickens and Judy Cole; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Jacob's Well Baptist Church, 29554 Vic Faye Rd., Pass Christian, MS 39571. Visitation from 10am till 12pm. Funeral Service at 12pm. Burial to follow at Rotten Bayou-St. Joseph Cemetery in Diamondhead, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to:

Mississippi Kidney Foundation

https://kidneyms.org

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Carolyn "YaYa" Bates.

Make a donation to MISSISSIPPI KIDNEY FOUNDATION INC in memory of Carolyn "YaYa" Dickens Bates