Esther Farr Bates

   Esther Farr Bates, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away at her residence on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the age of 74.

   Mrs. Bates was a native of Cleveland, Mississippi, and a member of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland.  While attending Delta State University, she was proud to be a Delta Belle and assisted Mrs. Dot Franklin with choreography for the group. Esther attributes her skill to 15 years of dance education with Mrs. Kathlyn “Sister” Cockersole.  She was a member of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists, studying in New Orleans, New York, and Chicago. Because of her grandmother, Mayne Ester Crutchfield, a nurse, Mrs. Bates’ interest turned to medicine. She graduated from Hinds Jr. College with Operating Room Technician Certification, training and working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

   Her love of the water prompted a move to Gulfport in 1972. Due to the skillful instruction of Dr. Forrest Wyatt from infancy to age 18, Esther was named Director of the Aquatic Program of Gulf Park Camp of the Coast.  She enjoyed playing the piano, clarinet, horseback riding, Little Theatre, interior design, poetry, classic movies, and Ole Miss / Saints football.   One time casino supervisor and social event planner including excursions to Ship Island aboard the Frances Fayard, sister ship to the Presidential Yacht, the Sequoia, Mrs. Bates remained in the hospitality industry until her retirement.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, William Emmett Farr, Jr. and Bonnie Crutchfield Farr; her brother, William Emmett Farr, III; and her husband, Jack W. Bates.

   Esther is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Kathlyn Cooper & her husband Michael S. Cooper; her granddaughters, Lindsay R. Cooper, Lyric Marie Cooper and Lyza Jene Cooper; her sister, Eva Farr Glamser; and numerous cousins.

   Visitation and Services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS.  Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

   Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, served the family locally.   Please sign the online guestbook and share memories and photos at www.riemannfamily.com