Verna Mae Bates

Verna Mae Riley Shannon Bates was born on April 1, 1935 in Floyd, NM to Fred and Muriel (Hawkins) Riley. She was welcomed home by Jesus and many beloved family members and friends on February 19, 2026.

Verna was a lifelong caregiver, which began at a young age taking care of her younger brothers, and continued throughout her life. She gave her brother Freddie a kidney in June 1966. They were one of the first kidney transplants in New Orleans. As a nurse, she worked for South Plains Kidney Disease Center in Lubbock from 1974 to 2017. Multiple family members were welcomed into her home throughout the years, sometimes for long periods of time, to heal from various conditions. Regardless of the circumstances, if Verna could help you, she would. Her personality and home reflected her love for Jesus and desire to love others as He did.

Verna considered accepting Christ as her Savior in September 1956 the most important decision she ever made. One of the most important testimonies she left was in the multiple Bibles she owned, falling completely apart from constantly seeking God's Word and will for her life. She endured many tragic losses, and was able to do so due to her faith in God.

Left to cherish her memory and honor her legacy are Cindy and David Russell of Dallas, TX (stepdaughter and step son-in-law), Wanda Jean Pettus of Amarillo, TX (sister), Bernice Riley of Artesia, NM (sister-in-law), Ernest and Linda Riley of Shallowater, TX (brother and sister-in-law), Becky Riley of Melrose, NM (sister-in-law), and her nieces and nephews whom she loved unconditionally: Tommy Wilson, Audra Carley, Janet Shearer, Michelle Kampschroeder, Russell Riley, Roger Riley, Julie Riley, Lori Parker, Eddie Riley and Carrie Williams, along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Those waiting with Jesus to greet her in heaven were her parents Fred and Muriel Riley, Bill Shannon (husband), Elwood Bates (husband), Dorothy Hite (sister), Freddie Riley (brother), Win Riley (brother), Dennis Riley (brother), Bud Wilson (brother-in-law), Amos Hite (brother-in-law), James Pettus (brother-in-law), Ricky Riley (nephew), Kaylee Mae Kampschroeder (great niece), and Gage Nelson (great nephew).

The family would like to especially thank her niece and husband, Carrie and Chris Williams, and their family Cayenne and Creed Johnson, Stormie and Michael Ronan, Summer and Cooper Morgan, Keelie Williams and Zoe Williams for the loving care they provided to Verna in their home for the last 16 months of her life.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day." II Timothy 4:7-8.

Verna, also lovingly known as Aunt Mae, Mae Mae, Myrt, Myrty, Myrty Lou, Floss and Miss Bates, infinitely touched all lives she came in contact with. She was truly the hands and feet of Jesus for so many. We know, without a doubt, that she was greeted with, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” when she entered heaven.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24 the at Monterey Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Ronan officiating and musician Ben Wells. Burial will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home and Flower Shop of Abernathy, Texas.

The service will be live streamed on the FaceBook page of Monterey Baptist Church and a recording will be published on the  Abell Funeral Home website once the service is completed.

The family suggests memorials be sent to Operation Christmas Child, PO Box 3000, Boone NC 28607 or at the link, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/