Mabel Y. Oates

Mabel Young Oates passed away on July 13, 2016 at the age of 88. Mabel was born and raised in Abbeville County, South Carolina. She and her husband of 40 years, Dr. Grady R. Oates, resided in Wrens, Georgia; Huntersville, North Carolina; and New Albany, Mississippi before moving to Bartow in 1965. Mabel worked for the Clerk's Office as Director of Small Claims Court until her retirement in 1994. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady; her parents, Allie Mae and Sam Young; her brother, Bobby Young; and her sister, Virginia McClellan. She is survived by her children Deb Oates of Bartow; Dorcas Hill and her husband Paul of Johnson City, Tennessee; John Oates and his wife Retha of Bartow; and Elizabeth Sconyers and her husband Ron of Anderson, South Carolina; and six grandchildren, Grady Oates, Hannah Williams and husband Andrew, Jenna Grace Hill, Leila Sconyers, Wren Sconyers, and Townes Sconyers. Mabel was a devoted wife and mother who displayed a servant's heart, always valuing others and placing their needs above her own. She was active in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bartow where she was known for writing and leading Bible studies for the Women's Society Ladies Circle. She had a love for sewing and handwork and was a member of the Bartow Quilt Guild. She loved the Lord, her church, her family, and her friends. A service worshiping the Lord and honoring Mabel will be held at the Bartow Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 16, 11:00 a.m.; internment to follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow. Donations may be made to the Retired Ministers Benevolent Fund of the ARP Church, ARP Center, Attn: Benevolent Fund, One Cleveland Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601. Family will receive friends at home.