(Claudia) Lynne Bates went to be with her Lord Tuesday morning, 2/25/2020. Lynne's passing ended a nine year battle with ovarian cancer. After 5 chemo therapies the cancer won the battle, but Lynne won the "war" as she transitioned from this life to her heavenly home. Lynne began hospice care in December and was comforted in her home until her time of death. Husband Carey and daughters Heather and Hollie held her hands until Jesus took them. Lynne called Memphis TN her hometown. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Martin and it was there she met her husband to be and began her faith walk with Christ.  Lynne loved her psychology studies and aspired a career in counseling. She chose, however to suspend her studies and became a Youth Ministry Intern at the First Baptist Church of Winter Park. After her marriage she partnered with her husband in ministry in GA, TN, Portugal, VA and most recently back in Winter Park FL.

She was a wonderful partner and best friend to Carey for more than the 44 years of marriage. She blessed this world with 3 beautiful children, Heather, Hollie and Hudson. She ministered to people in dozens of states and also in the country of Portugal. Lynne was a faithful servant of the Lord and later in life completed her MA in counseling from Liberty University and became a highly effective Christ-centered counselor. She served as a staff member at 2 US churches, served as a missionary with the International Mission Board, and held a variety of roles in local churches.

Lynne was preceded in death by her father, Theodore Pepin, her mother, Claudia Pepin Miskel, and her brother Ted Pepin. Lynne leaves her husband Carey, daughters Heather Bates Casey (husband Mike) of Alexandria, VA and Hollie Benjumea (husband Jackson) of Winter Springs, FL, and son, Hudson Bates (wife Jessica) of Hilliard, OH. Lynne had 5 grandchildren: Holloway and Hattie Bates (and one new little boy "H" arriving in May); Cassia and Caden Benjumea; and Avalyn Casey.

A memorial service will be held on March 7, 10 AM (visitation) and 11 AM (service) at The Aloma Baptist Church, (1815  SR 436, Winter Park, FL 32792) where the Bates are members.

In lieu of flowers the family would love for friends to honor Lynne’s service with and heart for missions via gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (gifts are received year round) c/o The International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230 (https://www.imb.org/give-now/). Another charity option is the local crisis pregnancy organization where Lynne volunteered: Thrive Orlando, Women's Health Care (cmvthrive.org/donate) PO Box 677188, Orlando FL 32867.