Mrs. Cathy Bates Ford

Cathy Bates Ford, 63, passed away Friday, April 17, 2020 at her home in Florence. The family will gather for a Graveside service on Monday, April 20, 2020 at Sharon Cemetery in Magee, MS Cathy was born May 18, 1956 to Author D. and Webbie Janice Bates in Florence, MS. She loved spending time with her family, just hanging out. She enjoyed playing cards, camping and cooking for everyone. Along with her parents, Cathy is preceded in death by her brothers, Author “Junior” (Janice) Bates, Danny (Audrey) Bates, and Donald (Phoebe) Bates; and her sisters, Linda Sue Sweeny and Barbara (Danny) Morea. She is survived by her husband, Tommy Cockrell of Florence; children, Tommy Joe (Rachel) Cockrell of Florence, Melissa Grantham of Brandon and Trisha (Donald) McLean of Florence; sister, Debra (Jerry) Polk of Florence; brother, Harry (Beverly) Bates of Florence; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends, including her life-long friend, Gina Boykin.