Marilyn Faye Bates

Remembering The Beautiful Life and Legacy of

Marilyn Faye Bates

Marilyn Faye Bates, affectionately known Mama and Faye, was born January 12, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan to Walter and Ruby Teamer. She was one of two cherished sisters out of five siblings.

Marilyn graduated from Northern Senior High School. In her early years she worked as a lifeguard in Cleveland and enjoyed the outdoors with fishing and bike riding. Marilyn married Donald Bates on December 20, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan. From Detroit she moved to Cleveland, Ohio and eventually to Maryland marking the beginning of a new journey together along with her two sons.

Marilyn’s dedication and professional career was centered within the Census Bureau. Beyond her career, she was an investor in the stock market, a jewelry maker entrepreneur, and shared ownership in The Teamer Farm. Marilyn loved to sew, decorate, make jewelry, and spend time with her family.

Marilyn, a caring and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend enjoyed cooking and hosting memorable events for her family and friends. Marilyn was a quiet soul but was always sharp and quite elegant in her style and presence. She embraced her natural beauty and was always coordinated with her apparel down to her many pieces and unique sets of jewelry which magnified her elegance and personality. Marilyn loved spending time with her grandchildren and leave behind Jasmin, Ebony, Carmen, Taylor, Tonie, Kaylen, Anthony, and Alexandra.

Marilyn lived in The Celebrate community in Fredericksburg, Virginia where she was always embraced and supported by such a remarkable community. There is where she would spend many years in the comfort of her beautiful home.

Marilyn passed away on February 28, 2025. She is survived by her father Walter Teamer, sons Donald Bates, Jr. and Sean Bates, daughter’s in law Carla Bates and Tanya Bates, sister Sandra Gillespie, and brothers Walter (June), Leonard, Larry Teamer, brother-in-law Grant Gillespie, and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Donald Bates, Sr., mother Ruby Teamer, mother-in-law Mary Bates, father-in-law Robert Bates, sister’s in law Emma Teamer and Brenda Eldridge, daughter in law Kioka Bates, grandson Jakari Butler, cousin Wallace Brown, and best friend Bonita Brown.

Faye, gave us 75 wonderful years to savior. She holds a very special place in our hearts. Although she is gone from our sight she will never be gone from our hearts. Faye left her earthly body and now her spirit is in the loving care of her heavenly father. May she find eternal rest surrounded by his love and peace.