Mercedes Bates
August 6, 1957 ~ May 16, 2010
Mercedes Bates was a loving mother, grand-mother, friend, and co-worker who departed from this world to the next on May 16th 2010. As her son, she taught me the meaning of accepting people for who they are, and most importantly, dedication. My mom spent 30 years of her life dedicated to assisting mentally challenged children and adults and loved everyday that she was able to help them. Her dedication at the San Antonio State Living Center was well known and respected. She changed the lives of those she was assisting, but also those of her co-workers with her professionalism, approach, and again, her dedication to the mission of the San Antonio State Living Center. I would always tell her I wish I had more of her work ethic and dedication, and she would always tell me I had to find something I loved to do, not had to do. She taught me so much when it came to my approach and professionalism at the job, but in life as well. About 3 or 4 weeks ago, I was inquiring into health services for her, and I used the term "using the can", instead of using the "using the bathroom", and she scolded me because of that. She told me "Lee Eric, your articulate, don't use terms like that!" I loved it, because I always liked seeing that side of my mom, the professional. I still know she is here and watching over all of us, and it gives me comfort in knowing that she is no longer sick, and that she is with God now. I look forward to hearing stories of my mom from others, and the impact she had on their lives. We will be having a home service for my mom at my house, but that date is yet to be determined. I will update the Meadowlawn website with time and date of the service, and look forward to celebrating my mom's life. Mercedes is survived by Lee Bates(son), Chelsea Bates(grand-daughter), Bernadette Perez-Bates(daughter-in-law), Steven N. Delaney(step-grand-son), John Deleon(brother), Diana Deleon(sister-in-law), Shakira Deleon(niece), Celeste Deleon(niece), Corey Deleon(nephew), and numerous friends and co-workers she touched in throughout her life.
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I have not seen Mercy in a long time. I will always remember her humor. She could make any situation seem funny. Boy, did she make me laugh. She was a no nonsense kind of person who took action. She was hard working and loved her family very much. I could go on but she would say “Stop it, stop it right now”. So sad,she is gone too soon!
I was so very sorry to hear about Mercy’s passing. I met Mercy while working at Cresthaven and I have to say she was one of the hardest working, no-nonsense people I met at Cresthaven. She also had the most wonderful sense of humor and could always make me laugh. Her friendship, her great sense of humor, and her ability to put people at ease made my first professional job one I will never forget. I will always be grateful for her support during that time. She spoke often about her son and he should know she loved him very much. God Bless the family and know that Mercy touched many people in her life.
Mercy was my friend-the type of friend that you could call after not talking for a long time and pick-up right where you left off. A long time ago we were really close friends that we could almost finish each others’ sentences. She was like my third sister. Mercy taught me that with humor, laughter,and a sharp wit mixed with a bit of scarcasim a stressful job could be tremendous fun. Most recently she spoke with pride of her son completing his education and of how much pride and love she had for her grand-daughter. I will miss her forever. My prayers are with you. Margaret M. Valle-Gonzalez
LEE- YOU WERE ALWAYS A DEDICATED SON,PUTTING YOUR MOTHER’S NEEDS BEFORE YOUR OWN. I’M SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I KNOW YOU MADE HER PROUD. I NEVER MET YOUR MOTHER BUT YOUR WORDS SAY IT ALL- SHE WAS A CLASSY LADY!
My deepest sympathy for the family. May the promises in the Holy Scriptures brings comfort to you. The Bible promises one day soon, God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore -Revelation chapter 21 verses 3,4. We yearn for the day to see our dear loved ones again. Jesus promises, the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out – John chapter 5 verses 28, 29.