Belinda Bates

Belinda Ann Bates of Arkoma, Oklahoma passed from this life, Wednesday, March 20, 2013 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Belinda was born December 1, 1953 to Clifford Cunningham and Marcella Ann (Reed) Cunningham in Paris, Illinois. Belinda was 59 years, 3 months and 19 days old. In 1985 Belinda married Billy ?Bo? Bates. Together they shared 27 years of marriage. Belinda enjoyed playing Nintendo. She also had a love for Nascar. Belinda loved her family and friends and cherished the time she spent with them. Belinda leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 27 years, Billy ?Bo? Bates of the home, two daughters, Darcy Johnson of Houston, Texas, Heather Vogt of Fort Smith, Arkansas, one son, Jeremy Flowers of Utah, one step daughter, Kimberly Wetuski of Pasadena, Texas and one step son Billy Bates of Pasadena, Texas. Granny will forever be missed by her five grandchildren and two step grandchildren. Belinda is also survived by three sisters: Bethany Hubbard of Martinsville, Illinois, Becky Furnish of Chicago, Illinois and Rosa Floyd of Georgetown, Illinois, as well as two brothers: James Matheny of Jacksonville, Illinois and Clifford Cunningham Jr. of Paris, Illinois. Belinda will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives were impacted by her including a host of friends and loved ones. Belinda is preceded in death by one sister Devonna Fancher and one brother Eddy E. Matheny. Belinda?s life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Belinda?s pallbearers will be Jeremy Flowers, Dominick Vogt, Todd Burt, James Matheny, Scotty Bates and Gary Bates. Belinda?s visitation will be Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.