Beauty Mae Bates, 76, of Elkhart, slipped peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 6:04 a.m. at Elkhart General Hospital. Though her earthly journey has ended, her spirit now rests joyfully in the presence of the Lord she served and trusted.

Beauty was born on January 29, 1949, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Calvin and Mary (Swift) Gilbert. From her earliest days, she carried a gentle strength and quiet faith that guided her through life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved sisters Sylvia Leasure, Mary Jackson, and Bernice Gilbert, as well as her brothers J.D., O.C., Nathan, and Nathaniel Gilbert, who now welcome her Home with open arms.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith through her son, Harry Bates III of Elkhart, who was her pride and joy. Beauty also leaves her dear sisters, Mable Davis, Ollie Gilbert, Beatrice Edwards, Shirley (T.L.) Honorable, and Cathy Lindsay, all of Elkhart; her brother Charles (Amy) Gilbert of Elkhart and her granddaughter, Shartay Bates, also of Elkhart. A large and loving extended family, including niece Joyce (Ree) Hurt, who were always close to her heart, survive as well.

Beauty worked faithfully for more than two decades as a machine operator at Atwood Mobile Products, retiring at the age of 71. She was proud of her years of hard work, which provided for her family and kept her close to the people of her community.

But more than her work, Beauty will be remembered for her faith and her heart. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and lived her life with humility, patience, and quiet strength. Her faith was not something loud or showy, but it was steady, enduring, and sincere. She often reminded those closest to her that God's grace was enough for every situation.

Beauty had a love for simple joys. She enjoyed reading all kinds of books—especially urban novels that sparked her imagination—and she could spend hours watching old Westerns on TV. She may not have been known for her cooking, but she certainly enjoyed a good meal, never passing up the chance to dine out with family or friends. Wherever she went, her warm smile—made even brighter by her shiny gold teeth—lit up the room.

Her greatest treasures, however, were always her family. Harry was affectionately called her "left-hand man," while her niece Joyce Hurt lovingly carried the title of her "right-hand woman." Together with her siblings, Beauty shared countless memories of laughter, storytelling, and fellowship, always cherishing their bond. Family gatherings, no matter how simple, were among her happiest times.

To those who knew her best, Beauty embodied her name—not just in appearance, but in spirit. She was beautiful in her humility, her kindness, her loyalty, and her steadfast love. Her life was a quiet testimony to God's faithfulness, and the way she loved her family reflected the love of Christ.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is honored to host Beauty's Homegoing Service on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Marvin T. Pace of the New Vision of Life Church will officiate. She will be laid to rest at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family and friends take comfort in knowing that Beauty is now reunited with her loved ones and resting in eternal peace. Her legacy of love, her unwavering faith, and her gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.