Zepher Bates

BATES, Mrs. Zepher - Age 78, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012 at her residence. Family hour 1 p.m. Friday, March 30, 2012 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing immediately at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Lee Thomas, officiating. Interment Gracelawn Community Cemetery, G-5710 N. Saginaw St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 1 p.m. Friday. Mrs. Bates will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from 12Noon-8 p.m. Thursday. Mrs. Zepher Mae Bates was born October 7, 1933 in Shreveport, Louisiana, the daughter of Enoch and Zello Henderson. She moved to Michigan in 1952 and was a member of Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Zepher graduated from High School in Louisiana and became a Chef at Durant Hotel before attending school to become a Social Worker. She was employed by the Department of Human Services until retirement in the early 90’s. Zepher loved cooking, gardening, fishing, shopping, watching games shows, and spending time with family. She was also a devoted member of G.C.C.A.A. for 18 years. Mrs. Zepher Mae Bates leaves to cherish her memory: 4 daughters, Rose McZee, of Flint, Patricia (Larry) Frierson of Saginaw, MI, Linda Fernander of Flint and Brenda Fernander of Atlanta, GA; son, Tommie Allen of Flint; grandchildren, Michael Desmond, Damon Allen, Ronald Jr. and Tarron McZee of Tennessee, Taran (Nikki) McZee, Eugene McGee, Jasmica (Brent) Ager, Tarrel Lewis, Rhashanda Benedict of Flint, Omar Harris, Dion (Tamara) Frierson, Veronica Frierson, LaPricia Allen of Saginaw, MI and Jeronica Frierson of Huntsville, AL; 24 great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews including special nephew, Albert Laing; sister-in-law, Laura Allen-Webb of Saginaw, MI; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends including special friends, Ineather Boyce, Gladys Roots, Miss. Bea, Miss. Jones and a host of other friends. Mrs. Bates was preceded in death by her parents, Enoch and Zello Henderson; 3 sisters, Gladys Henderson, Bernice Harris and Della Ree Laing; 3 brothers, Arthur, Raymond and Willie Henderson; mother and father-in-law, Cleve and Rosie Allen. The family would like to express special thanks to the Floyd family, Rev. Lee Arthur Thomas, the Webb family, New Covenant Christian Center, the Frierson, Still and Elmore families.

Zepher Bates

October 7, 1933 - March 25, 2012