Candace Louise Wilkerson Bates, 61, of 149 Comers Lane, Covington, Virginia, died Monday September 5, 2011 in Lewis Gale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

She was born January 31, 1950 in Alleghany County, a daughter of Charlotte Lewis Wilkerson of Wickliffe , KY and the late William "Bill" Wilkerson. Also preceding her in death was a sister, Brenda Wells.

Mrs. Bates was a retired bookkeeper at the former Tanglewood Manor. She was a member of Palestine Chapel Presbyterian Church.

Surviving in addition to her mother, are her husband, Cecil "Wayne" Bates of Covington; three sons, Anthony "Andy" Bates and his wife, Sandy; Michael Bates and his wife, Amanda; and William Bates, all of Covington; one grandson, William E. "Todd" Bates of Covington; one granddaughter, Candon Bates of Covington; one sister, Susan Wilkerson of Wickliffe, KY; three brothers, David Wilkerson of Paducah, KY; Douglas Wilkerson and his wife, Brenda of Wickliffe, KY and Stanley Wilkerson and his wife, Ramie of Oak Ridge, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2011 in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Menefee officiating.

The interment will follow in Palestine Chapel Cemetery. The family received friends Wednesday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia.