Martha Ann “Sally” Dixon Bates, 79 of Braxton, Mississippi

Martha Ann “Sally” Dixon Bates, 79 of Braxton, Mississippi passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, Mississippi. She was born Tuesday, August 31, 1943, in New Hebron, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 3077 Simpson Hwy 13, Mendenhall, Mississippi, and on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. until service time.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. The burial will follow in Cliburn Cemetery in New Hebron, Mississippi. Bro. Kevin Walker and Bro. McRay Johnson will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements. 601-847-4401

Ms. Sally was a member of Love Charity Hope Ministry of Magee, Mississippi. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She enjoyed going to thrift stores, going to auctions, watching Family Feud, and most of all spending time with her family. She will be greatly missed by all of her loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Bates; son, Johnny L. “Ringo” Runnels; great-grandson, Russ Biehle father, Johnny Arzell Dixon; mother, Minnie Mae White Dixon; and brother, Johnnie Alfred Dixon.

Survivors include her two sons, James A. Runnels of Magee, MS, and Johnny A. Runnels (Angie) of Magee, MS; three grandchildren, Amanda Runnels Biehle (Chris) of Cincinnati, OH, Matt Runnels (Samantha) of Ellisville, MS and Chelsea Lynn Runnels of Magee, MS; four great-grandchildren, Chase Yarbrough of Collins, MS, Lilly Biehle of Cincinnati, OH, Aubrey Runnels of Ellisville, MS and Ainsley Runnels of Ellisville, MS; special friend, Kenny Dozier of Braxton, MS; and a host of other family members and friends.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com