Brenda J. Bates

February 21, 1956 - August 7, 2015
Brenda J. Bates


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Brenda Joyce Bates, age 59, of Wilmington passed away Friday, August 7, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born February 21, 1956 in Akron, Ohio the daughter of James Garrison and Joyce Fleming Garrison.

Brenda moved to Wilmington from Winston-Salem in 2009 and quickly felt at home. She began a rewarding career helping others find peace and recovery at The Launch Pad where her legacy will live on through all of the lives she helped save. She was fiercely devoted to her daughters and was constantly at the aid of others.

In addition to her parents, left to cherish her memory are her loving daughters, Amanda Bates and Lauryn Elizabeth Bates; brothers, James Garrison, Thomas Garrison and Jeffrey Garrison; and her cat, Tommy Bates.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28403. A reception will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
The Launch Pad
PO Box 3543
Azalea Station
Wilmington, NC 28406
Attn: The Brenda Bates Scholarship Fund

Please share condolences with the family by clicking the sign guest book tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • August 11, 2015
    Diane says:
    Although I have not seen Brenda in many years, I admired her faith to stand up for what she believed in. May you rest in peace.

  • August 08, 2015
    Jackie Hoyle & family says:
    Brenda was my rock. She saved my life in so many ways! I will miss her and will always love her. I know I have a guardian angel looking after me and her name is Brenda. My heart goes out to Amanda and Lauren Bates. Your mom was loved by so many!

  • August 11, 2015
    Denny and Diane Forcier says:
    We are blessed to have had you in our lives. Prayers and love for all family and friends

  • August 11, 2015
    Karen and Art Swanson says:
    Grateful, in awe, inspired, thankful .... These words don't do justice to describe how we feel about the presence that Brenda had in our life. Through her selfless giving, support, faith and encouragement and tough love, she made our family whole again. Her strength is inspiring and will never be forgotten - we thank God for her and for the Launch Pad community. What an inspiration- so grateful that our paths crossed. Prayers to Brenda's family and friends

  • August 11, 2015
    Nikki Hogan says:
    I am grateful to have known such an amazing woman. I will never forget you and will always cherish the short amount of time I was blessed to call you a friend. Yours Truly, Nikki Hogan