Gladys Rock Bates, 83, of Gloucester and formerly of Covington, died Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester.

Mrs. Bates was born February 7, 1941, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Joe and Martha Hepler Rock. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Eugene Bates; one brother, Joe W. Rock, Sr.; and one sister, Joyce Shires.

Gladys was a very giving person – spending her life as a homemaker to her children and grandchildren. She loved to read, most often from the Bible, as well as playing computer games in her spare time. She was a member of Dunlap Christian Church and the Northampton Church of Christ for many years, serving as her Bible class secretary and teaching vacation Bible school.

Surviving are her two daughters, Donna Shiflett and her husband, T.D., of Richmond, and Rhonda Gilbert of Yorktown; one son, Jerry Bates and his wife, Casie, of Gloucester; four grandchildren, Brandi Ward of the Outer Banks, NC, Krystle Ries (Justin), David Bates (Samantha), all of Gloucester, and Timothy Jones (Kaitlin) of Esmont; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Juanita Dressler and Barbara Deisher; three brothers, Raymond Rock, Terry (Dana) Rock, and Jeter Rock; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chris Canterbury officiating. The family will receive their friends on Wednesday evening from 7 – 8:30 PM at Arritt Funeral Home.

Interment will be made in Sweet Chalybeate Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions in Mrs. Bates’ name by made to: The American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.