Deborah "Debbie" Bates Carver, 69, of Franklin, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 18, 2025.

Debbie was the daughter of the late General Ted Bates and Margaret Elizabeth Collier Bates. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by his siblings, Elina Parker, Furman Bates, John Henry "Dink" Bates, two twin sisters, brother-in-law George Parker, and nephew, Stanley Parker.

She loved her trips to Montana and Yellowstone, always hoping to see a moose. Cades Cove was always one of her favorites to see the animals, where she had to have a picnic. She worked at Burcliff Industries for 13 ½ years, and almost 9 years for the Macon County Schools at East Franklin Elementary as one of the lunch ladies. She loved those kids and teachers, and they loved her as well. Kids would come up when they saw her in the stores and had to give her a hug. She was a avid bowler and enjoyed bowling at Franklin Lanes for many years and played in several leagues.

She is survived by her husband of over 37 years, Kenneth Carver; daughter, Rosie Bates Bradley (Chris) of Sylva; granddaughter, Madison Bradley; grandson, Asa Bradley; great granddaughter, Oakley; two nieces, Georgia Parker, Marian Anderson; nephews, Bobby Parker, Keith Parker (Vickie); and other nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 23rd, at Macon Funeral Home from 2-3pm. A service will follow at 3pm in the Chapel. Rev. Tommy Holden, Rev. Josh Holden, and Rev. Bob Lambert will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Asa Bradley, Damian Morgan, Chris Mathis, Rob Middleton, Bobby Parker, and Keith Parker.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.