On October 18, 2025, Dianne Hall Bates, 74, affectionately called "Betty", was called from labor to rest to be with the Lord. She was born on March 6, 1951, to the late Margaret Hall Mason and Augustus Cook in Hartsville, SC.

Dianne was educated in the Petersburg Public School System and graduated from Peabody High School. She was a dedicated and hard worker. Dianne retired from Mundet Incorporated with over 30 years of dedicated service. After retirement, Betty remained active by helping others and spending time with her granddaughters. Dianne loved to cook for family and friends. She would cook great 4 to 5 course Sunday meals weekly when her health allowed it.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, James Mason, Sr.; sisters, Claudia Mason, Genora Lawrence and Mae Linda Johnson; nephews, Robert Lawrence and Antonio Lawrence; and her cousins, Rosetta Hall and Ernest Baker.

Dianne's memory will be cherished by her devoted son, Robert Bates; daughter-in-law, Karrol Bates; granddaughters, Cameryn and Kenya Bates all of Petersburg, VA; brother, James Mason, Jr. (Anita) of Petersburg, VA; sister, Joyce Gordon of Petersburg, VA; devoted nieces, Regina Cook of Seattle, WA and Evelyn Banks of Petersburg, VA; devoted friend, Willie Shands of Petersburg, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 25, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Pastor Cory Baker, eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.