Pathene Bloodworth Bates, 73, a devout Christian raised of the Lutheran and Methodist faith, passed away suddenly, May 1, 2025, at her home in “The Pines” neighborhood of Varnville, South Carolina, due to complications from Lupus, a disease she battled courageously for 4 decades. At her time of passing, she weighed only 85 lbs. She was born October 20, 1952, in Walterboro South Carolina, one of eleven children to Willie Sims Bloodworth and Christine Smith Bloodworth. She was raised in the close-knit community of Allendale, South Carolina, surrounded by family, faith and service to others. Affectionally known as, “Miss Pat” her life was centered serving others, but especially nurturing young minds and while doing so reverently exposing each to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She had that special talent and connection with children. Employed as a teacher’s assistant at Patrick Henry Academy for many years, she attended to the needs of countless students and children. She found great joy in encouraging and supporting her children. In the year 2002, Patrick Henry Academy dedicated its yearbook to her. “The Liberty Bell”, affectionally stating, “There isn’t a person in the world who can do what Miss Pat does the way she does it”. Miss Pat lived her faith daily through her kindness, compassion and quite strength. She truly loved her neighbor and never hesitated to lend a helping hand or words of scripture and prayer. Never materialistic or worldly. Miss Pat would give you her last dime and possessed tremendous compassion for those who had less or struggled in life. She was married to the love of her life, Frampton Russell Bates of Allendale County for 57 years, who retired from Scotsman Industries in Fairfax. Together they lived a simple and humble life and had one daughter. Miss Pat’s greatest joy was being a grandmother or “Nana”. In 2009 she and Russell moved to Varnville to assist in their upbringing. She was an excellent cook, meticulous and particular in her ways of preparing and serving meals to the family. She shared countless meals, memories, hugs, and helped steer them to the knowledge of our redeemer, Jesus Christ. Her faithfulness and legacy will live on. Rest assured, she will be greeted by our Savior “Well done, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:2. In addition to her husband Russell Bates, Miss Pat is survived by daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Bates Shaffer (The Honorable Nathaniel “Nat” A. Shaffer); grandchildren, Parker Bates Shaffer (Fiancée Mattison Hunt), Charles Banks Shaffer, and Elizabeth Nell Shaffer, all of Varnville, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Willis Holland (late, Vena Mae), Bobby Holland (Dot), Jimmy Bloodworth, Curtis Bloodworth, and Charles Bloodworth (Jackie); and sisters, Elizabeth Burk and Barbara Ann Bloodworth. Miss Pat is also survived by sisters, Willie Mae Stevenson (Robert), Gainesville, GA, Christine Williams (late, Roy Williams), Allendale, SC, and Janice Crosby, (late, Willie James Crosby), East Dublin, GA. Other survivors include nephews, Wilson Holland, Samuel Hoyt (Chip) Bates Jr. (Kerrie), Bobby Holland Jr, David Bloodworth, Danny Bloodworth, and Mitchell Crosby; nieces, Robin Mack (Chris), Lesley Williams Stanley (Scoti), Katie Grijalva (Fransisco), Anna Carithers (Ryan), Janet Linn, Janet Sumner (Gary), Teresa Jones (Craig), Cathy Varn (late, Tony), and Penny Cochran; three that Momma Pat loved as her own, Tator and Tracy Grubbs, and their daughter, Gracie; as well as several great nephews, Brandon Bates, John Mack, Davis Mack, Bryce Carithers, and Conner Carithers; and great nieces. Maria Grijalva and Hope Grijalva. Funeral Services were held 3 o’clock, Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025, at The Brice Herndon Funeral Chapel, Varnville. Pallbearers were Samuel (Chip) Bates, James Grubbs, Wilson Holland, Chris Mack, John Mack, and Davis Mack. Interment followed in Gillette United Methodist Church Cemetery, Martin, South Carolina. Arrangements By: The Brice W. Herndon And Sons Funeral Homes And Crematory, Varnville-Hampton Chapel, 1074 Yemassee Highway, Varnville. 803.943.5016. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.
