Betty Faye Bates, 86, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away March 17, 2026, at her son’s home in Calera, Alabama.
Betty was born May 18, 1939, in Double Springs, Alabama. She lived a life marked by love, devotion to her family, and a quiet strength that touched all who knew her. Betty was a woman of deep care and compassion, whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her.
In 1977, at the age of 38, Betty committed her life to Christ at Victory Missionary Baptist Church of Cullman, where she was an active member, sang in the choir, and served a term as church treasurer. She remained a devoted member until she was no longer physically able. Her faith shaped the remainder of her life and her family’s lives, and she lived it daily through her own version of the golden rule: mind your own business—but also do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Betty was a devoted homemaker and also worked alongside her husband in several small business ventures. She later became well known as the owner and entrepreneur of Good Hope Campground in Good Hope, Alabama, where she spent over 30 years building a place where many came to stay, gather, and feel welcomed. Her sister, Dean Tubbs, worked alongside her there for many years. Betty was known for her strong will and get-it-done attitude, qualities she passed along to her sons.
Above all, Betty’s greatest love was her children. She was deeply devoted to them and fiercely committed to their well-being, serving as their constant protector and source of strength. She also had a great sense of humor that brought lightness to those around her.
Betty loved the outdoors, especially in the spring and fall. She found joy in pointing out blooming flowers, budding trees, and even returning bugs in the spring, and she equally appreciated the changing leaves and colors of fall. She also had a lifelong love for animals, both wild and domesticated, and cared for many pets over the years, including horses, dogs, cats, and birds.
She enjoyed yard sales and had a particular fondness for jewelry, building a collection one treasure at a time. Betty was also a skilled seamstress who enjoyed sewing and painting. Earlier in life, she bowled on a team and was an avid gardener, often growing vegetables—especially tomatoes for her favorite tomato sandwiches—and preserving much of her harvest through canning. She had a well-known sweet tooth, especially for cream horns, and loved music, particularly country, bluegrass, and gospel.
Betty also enjoyed traveling and visited places such as New England, New York, Philadelphia, London, Phoenix, and Alaska. She was actively involved in women’s groups throughout her life, including TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), where she formed many lifelong friendships and served as an officer, and the Red Hat Society, where she enjoyed fellowship and connection with other women.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Eugene Bates; her granddaughter, Hannah Nicole Bates; her mother, Agnes Janette Warren Garrison; and her brother, Charles Douglas Garrison.
She is survived by her sons, Lionel Jay Bates and Craig Eugene Bates; her sister, Dean Tubbs and husband Glenn Tubbs; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home in Cullman, Alabama, with visitation from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Bethsadia Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama.
Betty’s life was one of strength, faith, and love. It brings comfort to know she is reunited with those who went before her, and likely already catching up with the many pets she loved—including Toby, Fuzzball, Jojo, Misty, and Haley—each one surely remembered by name.
