Judy Lynn Bates

Judy Lynn Bates (Prewitt), 67, of Ackerman, MS, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer, holding hands with her beloved husband, Jeffrey Scott Bates, her "Cowboy." Born on August 30, 1957, Judy lived a vibrant life filled with love, passion, and an unyielding spirit.

Judy graduated from Southaven High School, where her love for horses was a defining part of her youth. When recalling her high school graduation, she fondly shared, “If it was a Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, we were at the horse show.” She married Jeffrey in 1999, and together they were a perfect match—her rebellious heart complementing his steadfast cowboy soul. Their deep love was a cornerstone of her life, inspiring all who knew them. Judy’s zest for life shone through her lifelong passion for riding horses as fast as they could go. She also cherished riding motorcycles, driving tractors, and raising sheep, embracing the outdoors with enthusiasm.

A woman of remarkable dedication, Judy poured her heart into every task she set her mind to, especially her family and her work. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, whose love and commitment to her family were unwavering. Her hard work brought her loved ones together, creating cherished memories through shared projects like building barns and houses, working with horses and sheep, or clearing fence lines. These moments often ended with laughter and shouts of “Run Momma! Run!”—a testament to her playful, adventurous spirit. Judy retired from North American Coal Mine after 17 years as a skilled equipment operator, a role in which she took great pride and demonstrated her tireless work ethic.

Judy’s strong faith in God was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and lived with the assurance of His grace. There is no doubt in the hearts of those who knew her that she has gone on to heaven, joyfully reunited with her father, William Prewitt, and surely finding new adventures with him in eternity. Judy requested that her family and friends “Make that church RING!” with the hymn Meet You in the Morning at her service, a reflection of her desire to be sung home to her Savior with love and celebration. 

Judy was preceded in death by her father, William Prewitt. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jeffrey Scott Bates; her mother, Ethelyn Prewitt (Stevens); her children, Jeff (Lisa) Bates, Isaac (Jodi) Bates, Walter (Connie) Medders, Joe (Erica) Campbell, Natalia Medders, Leigh (Liz) Medders, and Kristina Hancock; her sisters, Lacye (Henrik) Schmidt and Martha (Randy) Crowe; 28 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Her legacy of love, faith, hard work, and joyful fellowship will live on in their hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Ackerman Baptist Church in Ackerman, MS, with visitation starting at noon and the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Salem Independent Methodist Church Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Pastors Wade Stevens and Dr. Danny Irvin. Pallbearers will be Nathan Stevens, Troy Jackson, Jamie Stevens, William Medders, Phillip Trowbridge, Joey Stevens, Seth Prewitt, Kyle Prewitt, Mason Hancock, and Gabriel Hancock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salem Independent Methodist Church Cemetery Fund or that flowers be sent in Judy’s memory.