Margaret Woody Bates, age 88, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Rainey Hospice House.

Born December 9, 1936, in Charleston, SC, she was the daughter of the late David O. Woody and Minnie Love Woody. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Joe William Bates and her siblings, Joel Woody, Louise Carithers, Elizabeth Jordan, Nelson Woody, Bonnie Woody, Sylvia Brooks, Olin Woody, Donnie Woody and Raymond Woody.

She was a graduate of Pendleton High School and the American Institute of Banking. Margaret had a prolific career in banking, retiring in 1992. Following retirement, she worked alongside her husband at the Redwood Cafeteria and Nutty Sweet Shop until August of 2000. Together they hosted an annual Christmas party for the Church of God Home for Children and cooked for the annual South Carolina Church of God Camp Meeting. In 1988 Margaret served as chairman of Mother's March of Dimes. She was a long-time faithful member of Trinity Springs Church of God, where she served as a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed baking cakes and trips to the beach.

She is survived by her son, David E. Bates (Lisa) of Anderson; daughter, Joanne Wilson (Bryan) of Anderson; brother, David Woody; sister, Joyce Richey; grandchildren, Meredith B. Smith (Jason), Jared Bates (Ashlea), and Haley Sherbet (Dylan) all of Anderson; and great grandchildren, Aislyn Smith, Davis Smith, Ainsley Bates, and Addison Grace Sherbet all of Anderson.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the chapel at 3:00 pm with Rev. Scott Vaughn officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family will be at the home of David Bates.