Francis Mathis Bates, 88, of McComb, passed away, Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Courtyard Rehab in McComb. Mrs. Bates was born April 13, 1929 in Tylertown, MS. She was a retired seamstress. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cephus and Lillian Boyd Mathis; her husband, Leslie Bates and a son, Larry Archie Bates. She is survived by her son: Jerry L. Bates, Sr.; granddaughter: Teresa McDaniel; grandsons: Jerry Bates, Jr. and Steven Bates and 10 great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 1:00 P M in Pike Memorial Gardens with Rev. Vann Windom officiating. Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit is in charge of arrangements.