Elma Lavina Bates, 78, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2010.

Born in Macon Co. NC, she was the daughter of the late Richard Bingham and Elsie Dowdle Bingham. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Dover Bates; sister, Sallie B. Passmore and a brother, Richard “Dick” Bingham. Elma worked at B&D Restaurant for many years and provided in home aid as a caregiver and at Britthaven. She was a member of Louisa Chapel United Methodist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Richard “Dickie” Eugene Woods of Pelzer, South Carolina and David Woods of Charleston, SC; a brother, Ted Bingham of Harlem, GA; six sisters, Mary B. Dryman of Franklin, Esta M. Stepp of Aquone, Nelle Green of Franklin, Birdie B. Suttle of Mt. Holly, NC, Anne B. Scott of Franklin and Mildred B. Russell of Albamarle, NC; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Louisa Chapel United Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Bias will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, April 30, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Gehrig, Alex Woods, Thomas Woods, William Woods, Terry Scott and Jonathan Williamson.

Teddy Stepp, Vance Stepp, Tommy Green and Tony Russell will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Memorial donations can be made to Louisa Chapel United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Audrey Ledbetter, 605 Gibson Cove Rd, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements.

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