Obituary of Nora Bates

Nora Faye Kincaid Bates (Nee Wilhoit) 94, died peacefully Wednesday February eighth, 2023, at home in Independence, KY.

Nora was born in Harlan Co., KY on May 14th, 1928, the third child of Hobart and Maggie (Berry) Wilhoit. The daughter of a coal miner, Nora spent her youth with her sisters and brothers Bea, Doris, Gail, Rodney and Jimmy, learning how to garden, sew, quilt and live a devout Christian life.

In high school she met the love of her life James Edward Kincaid, and together James and Nora would have five children. Nancy Carol and Vicky Ann, and the late Karen Lynn, James Gordon, and Janis Faye.

Nora, having lost Karen and James as infants, dedicated her life to raising and supporting her three daughters.

Nora’s service to her children’s schools and her church were a hallmark to her character, she always found time to pitch in where she could and even helped to start a credit union out of the house with her husband James.

Nora extended her love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well, by always being there to watch over them, cook them comfort food or provide them with a warm embrace.

After the sudden death of her husband James in 1976, Nora would go on to marry her second husband Winford “Winnie” Bates in 1982 with whom she shared 36 loving years together.

Throughout her adult life Nora was known for many things; kindness, generosity, compassion to name just a few. However, her true legacy was the giving of her love through the art of crochet. Countless afghans, baby dresses, Christmas tree skirts, doll dresses, house shoes and many other pieces were given freely to all. Nora never accepted payment for the items she made. The pieces given were her way of spreading joy and the word of the Lord, it was her ministry.

Nora touched so many lives in her years on earth, her spirit will live on in those that were fortunate to have known her. Her memory will be passed down for generations to come in the beautiful crochet pieces she created out of pure love.

A visitation will be held between 10 AM and 12 PM with the funeral service starting at 12 PM all on Tuesday, February 14th at Community Family Church, 11875 Taylor Mill Rd., Independence, KY 41051. Nora will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Cincinnati. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Elizabeth Foundation c/o Hospice Programs, 1 Medical Village Dr. Edgewood, KY 41017. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.