Mary Ann Farmer

Mary Ann Farmer was born in Beloit, Alabama to Pearlie Carpenter and Clarence Eaton on September 12, 1940.

At a young age, she became a Christian and attended 2nd Avenue Beulah Baptist Church inBessemer, Alabama where she grew in her faith.

In 1957, she graduated with honors from Dunbar High School in Bessemer, Alabama. Next, she was fortunate enough to attend Talladega College and in 1961, graduated with High Honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While there, she also became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority which she loved and cherished, the rest of her life. Fifty years later, she received a Golden Diploma, celebrating a continued commitment to excellence in education.

Her commitment to excellence was evident throughout her academic, professional, and personal life. In 1973, she earned her Master's Degree from the University of Montevallo. For many years, she devoted her talents to teaching at Abrams High School, where her skill and dedication left a lasting impression on countless students. With grace and diligence, she continued to serve the Bessemer community in various capacities until her passing. Her kindness and willingness to help touched many lives, earning her appreciation and recognition from both individuals and organizations. It was not uncommon for her to be stopped in public by former students eager to express their gratitude for the influence she had on their lives.

After she retired from teaching, she worked as a Telecommunications Specialist with BellSouth Company which later became AT&T. She was very skilled and accomplished at her job with AT&T and earned promotions very quickly. Ultimately, there were many other opportunities for advancement beyond Alabama, but she declined.

In 1961, Mary Ann was united in holy matrimony to Willie Morgan Bates, Sr. From this union, she became the proud and loving mother of her only child, Willie Morgan Bates, Jr.

In 1984, she entered a second marriage to Mose Farmer. Together, they shared 33 wonderful years of love, laughter, and companionship until his passing in 2017. Throughout her life, Mary Ann was a devoted daughter, mother, and grandmother. One of her greatest joys was spending Saturdays with her mother, often going "just to look" while shopping, whether or not they bought a thing. She embraced both her household duties and the many adventures she enjoyed with the Bates family in cities near and far. Most of all, she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, finding joy simply in being wherever they were.

In her later years, Mary Ann, like many, loved her home deeply and was reluctant to leave it. Only declining health and the need for constant care eventually took her to a facility, where she quickly became known for her pleasant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. She was a faithful daughter, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, and trusted confidant; a woman of principles and rare character.

On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Jesus tenderly closed the final chapter of her earthly life and welcomed her into the place He had prepared for her. She left with no pain, no unfinished business, no regrets and having lived a full and loving life.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her son and daughter-in-law, Willie Morgan Bates and Loretta Bates; her grandchildren, Logan Bates and Kendall Bates; cousins, Aljeanette Griggs, Carrie Pendleton, Bertha Pendleton, and Marche Pendleton; and a host of family and friends who were blessed to share in her journey.

                                           "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master."

                                                                                   Matthew 25:23