Mary Bates Kay

Mary Bates Kay

Easley, SC

Mary Kay, widow of the late Jerrel G. Kay and daughter of the late Houston B. and Nettie M. Bates, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Foothills Presbyterian Home.

She was a dedicated employee of Millikin and Company Research Division in Spartanburg for many years. After retiring, she worked for the Easley Chamber of Commerce. She was very proud of her accomplishments.

Surviving are her nephew, Christopher Bates (Missi) of Easley; her nieces, Angela Gross (David) of Easley, Jennifer Arblaster of Easley, and Mandy Stock (George) of Liberty; a special great-nephew, Carson Bates; and several other great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Richard B. Bates, Sr., and his wife, Gladys, and Donald G. Bates and his wife, Judy; her nephews, Richard B. Bates, Jr., and Timothy Gregory Bates; a nephew -in-law, Daniel Arblaster; and a great-niece, Rebecca Arblaster.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in the mausoleum of Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 113 Mills Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605; Miracle Hill Children's Home, 411 Miracle Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671; The Alzheimer's Association, 700 Executive Center Drive, Suite 303, Greenville, SC 29615; or Prisma Health Hospice of The Foothills, 440 Roper Mountain Rd C, Greenville, SC 29615.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.