Barbara Sue Bates, age 74, of Canton, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023. She was born on October 28, 1948, in Blue Ridge, to the late Manuel Levi McVey and Gladys Marie Thrasher McVey. She was a member of Buffington Baptist Church. Sue is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Louise Stanley, Peggy Floyd, Jean Slater, Inez Smith, Loyd McVey, Pete McVey, and Bill McVey.

Sue is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Holly Bates of Canton; daughter and son-in-law, Brooke and Travis Shelton of Canton; brothers and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Sue McVey of Ellijay, and Edward McVey of West Jefferson, NC; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM from the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Kevin Thompson and Rev. Anthony Turner officiating. Music was provided by Kevin Thompson and Rebekah Goss. Interment followed in the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Randy Shelton, Levi Bates, Justin Shelton, Dean Floyd, Dan Floyd, and Nat "Trey" Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Stephen Slater, Michael Slater, Tommy Slater, Bobby McVey, Gary McVey, Sam McVey, Raymond Stanley, Curtis Floyd, and Andrew Smith. The family visited with friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.