Mrs. Evelaner "Mama Free" Bates

May 5, 1939 - June 14, 2019

Mrs. Evelaner Winding Bates, 80, of Liberty, MS, peacefully bid farewell to this life on June 14, 2019 at the University of MS Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Mrs. Bates, best known to all as "Mama Free", was born May 5, 1939 in Liberty, MS to the late Mr. Royan Winding and the late Mrs. Rosie Lee Winding. Evelaner created lasting memories with everyone who came in contact with her jovial spirit and captivating sense of wit. She founded and opened Unique Beauty Shop where she was the local beautician for many Liberty residents. Evelaner had a special dose of sass and class and lived a big life until God served his final summons on her life. Evelaner was preceded in death by both of her parents, three brothers: Bobby Lewis Winding, Ulysses Winding, and Jessie Winding, and three sisters: Catherine Galloway, her twin sister, Willimenar Writt, and Virginia Bates. She leaves to mourn her passing, one daughter: Theresa (David) Taylor, of Liberty, MS. N One son: Walter (Debbie) of New Orleans, LA. Seven grandchildren: Sharonda Taylor of Dallas, TX, Ranardo Knighten. Nikita Taylor, Latoya (Jason) Winding-Banks, and David Taylor, all of New Orleans, LA, Brittney Taylor of Liberty, MS, and Blandis Fisher of New Orleans, LA. Three great-grandchildren: Jason Banks, III, Jaxon Banks, and Jayse Banks, all of New Orleans, LA. She also leaves two brothers: Thomas Winding, Sr. and Charles (Tijwana) Winding of Liberty, MS and three sisters: Dorothy (Bobby) Hamilton, Rowanner (James) Allen, and Betty Winding, all of Liberty, MS. Two Sisters-in-law: Mary Winding of McComb, MS and Arthamease Williams of Liberty, MS. Four God-Siblings: Willie Jackson, Ellis Ray Jackson, Benjamin Rodgers and Maxine Nimox. Three special Friends: Willine Winding, Sarah Taylor, and Janice Weatherspoon, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The visitation for Mrs. Bates will be held Friday 4pm until 6pm at Craft Funeral Home in McComb, MS. Her homegoing celebration will take place Saturday 11am at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Liberty, MS. Rev. Jehu White will officiate the funeral service, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Please share online condolences at www.craftfuneralhome.org.