Lawanda Kay Bates

Lawanda Kay Bates, affectionately known to her family and loved ones as “Kay Kay,” passed from this life on September 20, 2026, at the age of 63. She was born on September 12, 1963, in Houston, Texas, to her mother, Tommie Jean Darrett Butler and father, Howard Butler.

Lawanda was a woman whose presence brought warmth, kindness, and a beautiful smile to those around her. She was friendly, helpful, loving, and had a natural way of making people feel welcomed and cared for. Her charming smile could brighten a room, and her generous spirit touched the lives of many.

Family was especially important to Lawanda. She loved spending time with those she loved and looked forward to family gatherings, holidays, and moments when everyone could come together. She loved her community and enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family. She also had a special love for children and a tender heart for animals, especially cats and dogs.

Lawanda found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved fishing, listening to music, dancing, cooking. She was a wonderful cook, and her gumbo was a specialty that will undoubtedly live on in the memories—and hearts—of those fortunate enough to have enjoyed it. Music was another special part of her life, and she especially loved the music of Johnny Taylor. Give "Kay Kay" some good music, and she was ready to dance!

Lawanda worked for Aramark at NRG/Reliant Stadium as a cashier, where she was a familiar face and valued part of the community. Through her work and everyday life, she formed connections with people who will remember her with the warmth she shared so freely.

Lawanda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Larry Charles Darrett; and niece, Latasha Garcia. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Jerry Lee Bates Sr; stepsons: Jemond Bates and Jerry Bates; sister, Debra Baines; sister-in-law, Dorothy Jean Gooden; brother-in-law, Carl Bates Jr; Godsister, Delores Fitzgerald; Godchildren, Anthony Cosby and Toni Robinson; along with many other relatives, cherished friends, and countless people whose lives were made brighter simply because they knew her.

Though Lawanda’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love she gave and the memories she created will continue to live on. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her loving heart, her kindness toward others, her love of family, her laughter, her music, her dancing, and, of course, the unforgettable gumbo she made with love.

The people who knew and loved Kay Kay will carry a piece of her with them. She may no longer be with us in the way we once knew her, but her love remains—and love never ends. We will miss her, but we will carry her in our memories as we continue writing the pages of our own lives… until we meet again.

Honorary Pallbearers: Anthony Cosby, Carl Bates, Jemond Bates, Jerry Bates Jr, Zachary Brunner, and Dorothy Gooden.

A visitation/viewing for family and friends will be held 10:00 am - 11:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life service from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026 with Pastor Kevin McFarlin Sr. from Divine Connection Community Church overseeing the service.