Joyce Bates Lewis, 59, of Franklin, passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2007.

Born in Macon County, she was the daughter of the late Boyd Bates and Lola Watts Bates. Joyce was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Jean Bates and three brothers, Dennis, Marvin and Clyde. She was a member of Prentiss Church of God and worked for several years at B&B Concrete. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Pearl N. Lewis; son, Michael Lewis and his wife Amanda Shomber-Lewis of Franklin; and daughter, Stephanie Lewis of Franklin. Also surviving are her three brothers, Ellis Bates of Valdosta, GA, Nelson Bates and Danny "Chuck" Bates both of Franklin; sister, Winnie Vinson of Franklin; a beloved granddaughter, Finley Madden Lewis of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 9, at Prentiss Church of God. Rev. Don Moffitt will officiate. Burial will be in the Rush Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to The Gideon's International, PO Box 372, Franklin, NC 28744.

Pallbearers will be Greg Bates, Danny Bates, Zachary Decker, Scotty Stanley, Barry Downs and Dennis Downs.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences @www.maconfuneralhome.com