Velma Jean Watley Oates, 92, passed away November 29, 2009, at her home in Center. She was born June 27, 1917 to William Major Watley and Maggie Murphy Watley in Liberty County. She was their only child. She married Roy Oates in 1934. They moved to Shebly County in 1940 to make their home near his family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Center.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside Services will be held at 3:00, Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, with Rev. Carl Smith officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robin Davis, Felix Garffer, Roy Davis, Greg Garffer , and Tommy Gray.

Mrs. Oates is survived by:

Daughter, Sue Garffer and husband Raymond of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Son-in-law, James Davis and his wife Joyce of Center. Texas

Six Grandchildren:
Robin Davis and wife Jeannette of Plano, Texas
Roy Davis and wife Rebecca of Center, Texas
Jamie Wilkins and Husband Jimmy of Memphis, Tennessee
Gregory Garffer of Austin, Texas
Melissa Garffer of New Braunfels, Texas
Felix Garffer of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Six Great Grandchildren:
Joshua Davis and wife Sharon
Nicolle Davis
Christopher Davis and his wife Jennifer
Kara Justus and her husband Roger
Jaclyn Roberts and her husband Tom
JoAnna D'Ambrosio and her husband Brian

Five Great-great Grandchildren
Hannah Justus
Kaitlyn Justus
Candace Davis
Alexis Davis
Hunter Davis

Nephews and nieces who affectionately called her Aunt Tate.

Preceded by
Husband Eugene Roy Oates, March 23, 1993
Daughter Joan Davis, July 4, 2002

Those who wish to do so may contribute in her name to Heart's Way Hospice of Northeast Texas, 1306 Pine Tree Rd., Longview, TX 75604