Ernestine M. Bates

A Fruitful Life Ernestine Marie Bates, age 77, affectionately known as “Little Bates” or “Oprah” went home to be with the Lord on March 24, 2023. Ernestine was born on October 6, 1945, to the late Joseph and Ella Mae Bates in Mobile, Alabama. She graduated from Blount High School, Prichard Alabama in 1963. After graduation she came to Chester, Pennsylvania and worked at Tri-County Hospital. During this time, she met and fell in love with Charles Cottman Sr. and from that union, they were blessed with a son, Carlos Bates. She then worked for the Chester Housing Authority, where she was a manager at the William Penn Projects for 21 years. In 1995, Earnestine enrolled into the Keystone Business School and received her certificate in Business. After receiving her certificate, she went to work at The Brookhaven Court House in 1996 and later retired from there. Ernestine answered the call to follow the Lord, at Shiloh Baptist Church, in 1984 under the leadership of Vaughn B. Wilson. She was a true servant of God and worked on many auxiliaries throughout her time at Shiloh, which was her second home. She was a part of: The Senior Usher Board, Secretary for the Women’s Ministry, Supervisor of the Youth/Junior Ushers, the Culinary Ministry, worked with Lovey Bullock’s catering, Vacation Bible School, Bible Study, Sunday School and helped with the assembly of Christmas baskets for the seniors. She would spend a lot of time at the Chester Senior Center at 9th and Ward playing bingo, visiting, and uplifting the residents. Ernestine will be missed by her Shiloh Family, the Usher Board and Sunday School. She impacted many lives of Shiloh members and youth alike. She was always the first one on the Sunday school call saying, “Good morning church family, Bates here.” And she was the first to read. She never complained and was always heard saying, “Keep the faith, it’s another day’s journey and I’m glad to be here.” She really, really loved the Lord with all her might, soul and strength. And would always say “I won’t complain He brought me through this far, He will bring me through again.” Now she is in His presence resting in His arms. Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Ella Mae Bates; Brothers Joseph Bates and Willie Bates. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son Carlos Bates (Charlotte); Grandchildren: Charnae and Nasir; Sisters: Eartha Speed (Harvey), Minister Louise Herndon (Robert) and Anita Bates; Brothers: James Bates, Leroy Bates (Cathy) and John ‘Tea’ Bates (Ericka) and Sister-In-Law: Vera Bates. A God- daughter Shalonda Lawler and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Caregivers: Jessie Lawler, WillieMae Wood, Diane McDaniels, Betty Bethel, Sharlene Calhoun, Vernell Mingleoff, Minister Louise Herndon and Anita Bates. Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Ernestine M. Bates

October 6, 1945 - March 23, 2023