Norma Jean

Bates

Celebrating the love and the life of Norma J. Bates, age 80. On Friday, January 9, 2026 God whispered in your ear and said "Well done thy good and faithful servant" and you took your flight from earth to glory.

She was born February 10, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio to the union of James Hooker Sr. and Reva Marie Hooker. Norma attended Jesup W. Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio. Norma was married to the late L.C. Bates for 50 years and to this union three children were born Leon, Mark and Danielle.

She confessed to Christ at an early age at the Trinity Faith Tabernacle Church under the leadership of Elder Edward A. King aka "Dad King", then following Pastor Mother Francis Jones. Norma was a faithful member of Trinity. Norma and L.C. followed Evangelist Gene Martin who was under the leadership of A.A. Allen throughout the United States to various revivals and camp meetings and with this a friendship was developed through ministry. Before her passing she was a faithful and dedicated member at Cannan Manifested Word Church under the leadership of Bishop Randall Parker.

Norma worked for Owens Illinois, Frisch's Big Boy as the Head Cook and retired from Waterford Common as a Head Cook.

Norma loved to shop, travel, and go to the grocery store with her daughter and granddaughter. She loved to go to Memphis every year to celebrate Elvis Presley's anniversary. She enjoyed spending time with family on holidays and having people come over to entertain. She loved to watch Jimmy Swaggart and sing and read her bible. Norma loved talking to her kids and grandkids on the phone daily and making sure everybody was okay.

Norma was preceded in death by parents James Hooker Sr. and Reva Marie Hooker, brothers Walter Hooker, Peter (Pete) Hooker, grandson Leon Bates III, and great-grandson Nehemiah Wright.

Norma leaves to cherish her memory sons Leon & Mark, daughter Danielle Bates all of Toledo, Ohio. Siblings James (Carol) Hooker Jr. of Las Vegas, Nevada, Eddie (Beverly) Hooker, Sisters Rose (The Late Hosey) Murray, Darlene (The Late Theotis) Greer, Debbie Hooker, and Felicia Larkins-Edwards. In-Laws Robert (Wanda) Bates, LeRoy (JoRay) Bates, Margaret (Clevelt) Patterson. 7 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and loving family.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV