Mary Coggins Bates, 79, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018.

Born in Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Vaughn Coggins and Thelma Tippett Coggins. She was also preceded in death by her husband Bruce Bates, brother James Coggins, and sister Audrey "Curley" Arnold. Mary worked as the switch board operator at Angel Medical Center for many years. She enjoyed reading, playing checkers with her great-grandkids, games on her kindle, stringing beans with great-grandkids, going to church, flowers, her dog Bandit, and fellowship with family and friends. Mary was a member of Windy Gap Baptist Church.

She is survived by her two daughters, Glenda Cook (Dean) and Linda Stewart, both of Franklin; sister, Barbara Tallent, of Kissimmee, FL; brothers, Coleman Coggins (Dessie Jean) and Walter Coggins (Joyce), both of Franklin; 3 grandchildren, Deanna Cook-Henry (Wayne), Heather Norman, and Stasha Norman; and 3 great-grandchildren, Peyton Norman, Brady Norman, and Chance Norman.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Windy Gap Baptist Church. Rev. Mark Bishop and Rev. Brian Browning will officiate. The deacons of Windy Gap will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be in the Windy Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Windy Gap Baptist Church.

Memorial donations can be made in memory of Mary Bates to Hospice Foundation Franklin, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com