Mrs. Debra S. Oates, age 61, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Thursday, February 27, 2020.  Debra was born April 28, 1958 in Hohenwald, TN, the daughter of the late James Edward Burks and Wilma Sue Jennings Pate. Debra was friendly, loving and willing to give a helping hand to those in need and loved sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

Debra is survived by her husband, Lonnie Oates; sons, John Oates of Carrollton, Georgia, Francis Oates of Manchester, N.H.; grandson, James Oates of Carrollton, Georgia; brothers, Warren Burke, John Burks, Jerry Burks of Mt. Pleasant, TN, Mark Pate of Chatsworth, Georgia, John Pate of Cohutta, Georgia; sister, Judy Houck of Cohutta, Georgia; Aunt and Uncle, Tom and Alice Jennings of Mt. Pleasant, TN; sister-in-law, Reubena Lucille Giffin of Ft. Payne, AL. and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Debra S. Oates will be held Saturday March 21, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. from the United Church,

716 South Locust Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee 38464.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com .
Arrangements by, Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002