Frances Agatha Oates

Frances Agatha Oates of Enterprise, AL passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation. She was 92.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 19, 2025, at El Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Don Tew officiating. Burial will follow in El Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 PM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Alabama Chapter Birmingham Office, 1 Metroplex Drive #230, Birmingham, AL 35209.

Frances found joy in the simple yet fulfilling pleasures of life. She had a profound appreciation for reading and enjoyed working on crossword puzzles and word searches. Sewing was another of Frances's passions. Frances was frequently seen at the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center, where she embraced the companionship and camaraderie of fellow members. Frances spent her Sunday afternoons cheering on the Dallas Cowboys.

Mrs. Oates was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, James Harold Oates; son, Wayne Oates; two grandsons, Jason Oates and Andrew Oates; two brothers, Ray Howell (Lillian) and Robert Howell (Margaret); two sisters, Mellie Stephens (DT) and Olene Howell (Chick).

Survivors include her two sons, Harry Oates (Gina), Enterprise, AL; Steve Oates (Rita), Enterprise, AL; two grandsons, Michael Oates (Lauri), Panama City, FL; Michael Oates (Amanda), Tampa, FL; six great grandchildren, Ally, Endia, Mathew, Aubrie, Molly, and Emily; brother, Ed Howell (Pat), Millbrook, AL; numerous nieces and nephews.