Bobbie Ann Bates, age 87, of Dallas, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on January 12, 1938, in Jasper, Alabama, she was the daughter of Annie Louis Townley Allen and Andrew Allen. Bobbie graduated from Walker County High School in 1956 before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, where she worked as a switchboard operator for Southern Bell. In 1968, she relocated to the Atlanta area, where she dedicated much of her life to public service, retiring from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2004.

Bobbie was known for her spunky attitude, infectious laughter, and incredible talent in the kitchen—especially for her renowned Brunswick stew. She adored her children and grandchildren with a love that knew no bounds, and her affection for her dogs was unmatched. An avid traveler, she cherished exploring new places, with the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, Acadia National Park in Maine, and fun-filled trips to Dollywood among her favorite destinations. At home, Bobbie found joy in gardening. Her backyard was a peaceful retreat where she lovingly tended to her flowers and carefully nurtured her tomato plants each summer—always proud when the first ripe ones appeared. The vibrant gladiolas at the end of her driveway were among her favorites, blooming year after year as a quiet reminder of her green thumb and love for beauty. She also loved to read and embraced life with a curious mind and adventurous spirit.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, her maternal grandmother Bertha Mae Townley of Jasper, AL; her brothers, Don Allen of Smyrna, GA, and Jimmy Allen of San Francisco, CA; and her former husband, Jerry C. Bates. She is survived by her daughters: Susan Bates Taffe (John) of Marietta, GA, and Vicki Bates of Dallas, GA, as well as three adoring grandchildren: Jennifer Taffe Wick (Andrew) of Dunwoody, GA, John “Jack” Allen Taffe of Marietta, GA, and Anne “Annie” Taffe Carroll (Reilly) of Smyrna, GA.

A celebration of Bobbie’s life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Lost Mountain Church of God, 5050 Dallas Hwy, Powder Springs, GA. All are welcome to join the family in honoring her legacy of love, laughter, and adventure. 

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