Mamie Helen Bateman

Mamie Helen Gwyn Bateman, 93, of Ararat, VA, passed away September 23 at the home that she was born in.  She was of the Methodist faith and a long time member at Central United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy, N.C.  In addition to her parents, Rev. Granville Booker Gwyn and Ethel Boyd Gwyn, she was preceded in death by her husband, General James Bateman, her sisters Ruth Gwyn, Gertrude Nunn, Okalena Magee, and brother Gibbs Gwynn.  She is survived by her special sister-in-law, Betty Gwynn, niece Ethel Nunn of Martinsville, Virginia, nephew Mike Magee of Nashville, Tennessee, niece Catherine McCord of Tucson, Arizona, niece Linda Walton of Chicago, IL, niece and caregiver Karen Gwynn Plasket of the home, and most importantly her beloved dog, Toby.  She is also survived by several great nephews and nieces.  Mamie graduated from Greensboro College and also attended NC State University and King’s Business School in Raleigh. Mamie was the office manager for the Greensboro law firm of Smith, Moore, Smith, Schell, and Hunter.  She was also the first woman in North Carolina to achieve the Certified Administrative Manager professional designation.  Mamie played a very special, important, and influential role in the lives of her two youngest nieces, Karen and Linda, especially after the passing in 1973 of their father, Gibbs Gwynn.  The girls spent most summers and school breaks at the Orchard House.  Mamie was an extremely devoted fan of Elvis Presley, and took the girls to their very first Elvis concert in Atlanta.  She would often entertain her nieces by performing head stands for them up until about the age of 70. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy with services conducted by Rev. Denny Miller. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willow Hill Moravian Church in Ararat, Mountain Valley Hospice, Central United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy, or any animal rescue group. A very special thanks to her caregivers: Pam Marion, Teresa Stegall, and  Robin Milette.  Mamie’s greatest wish was to be able to pass in her home, and this was made possible by the loving care provided to her.