For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
A devoted and caring son, a loving father, a beloved brother and grandfather, an adored uncle, nephew, cousin and loyal friend, Ernest Jewell Bates, departed this life unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Corewell Health Hospitals, Butterworth, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Ernest was born on September 2, 1975, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, at the former Berrien General Hospital to the late Roosevelt Bates Sr. and Lucy Ann Bates Johnson. He was preceded in death by his father, Roosevelt Sr, his stepfather, George Edward Johnson, brother, Cedric Culpepper, his maternal grandparents, Enoch and Pearl Dawson, and paternal grandparents, Hattie Mae Parnell and Roosevelt Bates Sr., his great-aunt, Laura Kelly, two uncles, Mose Dawson and Joe Louis Dawson, one aunt, Rosezena Swan and his nephew, Asant Legend Elijah Bates
Ernest grew up in a Christian family and had a personal relationship with the Lord. As a child, he attended Beautiful Gate Baptist Church under the leadership of the late, Pastor Charles Jones Sr. and as a youth, he attended the Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the pastoral guidance of his uncle, the late Rev. Dr. Ellis Hull Sr. Ernest believed in Jesus Christ and accepted him in his heart as his personal Savior and would read the bible through and through in its entirety for understanding of the Word of God.
He was formally educated in the Benton Harbor Area Schools and was a proud graduate of the Benton Harbor High School Class of 1993. In high school, Ernest was very athletic and was truly a proud Fighting Tiger. At Benton Harbor High School, he earned varsity letters in both football and wrestling and was awarded a scholarship and attended Hope College, in Holland, Michigan.
Ernest enjoyed life and was known throughout southwest Michigan as an avid chef. He was a good cook and worked at several restaurants, Bob Evans, I-Hop, Cracker Barrel, Shulers and his last job at the Tavern just to mention a few.
He loved family and was very outspoken, straight forward, motivated and funny although he did have serious side. Ernest also had a special love for his mother, Lucy, and loved his children and seven grandchildren with all of his heart. He will truly be missed.
Ernest Jewell Bates will forever be remembered in the hearts of his beloved mother, Lucy Johnson whom he loved dearly, two sons, Ernest Bates Jr. of Benton Harbor, MI and Javon Grice of Kalamazoo, MI; two daughters, Alize Partee of Benton Harbor and Aliyah Bates of Berrien Springs, MI; four brothers, Roosevelt Bates III, Rodney Ford, and Jerry Brown, all of Benton Harbor; and Roosevelt Randle of Indianapolis, IN, sisters, Sharon (Wilbur) Chatman, of Kalamazoo, MI, Rosemary (Adam) Wilson, Crystal Reid all of Benton Harbor; Sandra Bostick, of Detroit, MI, and Hattie Randle of Indianapolis, IN, his seven grandchildren, Javon Jr., Braelynn, Avrielle, Adelaya, Aiyden, Alayah, and Alanii; a large circle of family, nieces, nephews, cousins extended family and special friends who will forever carry his memory.
Don’t cry for me for I have…fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Services
Public Visitation
Saturday
August 30, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Robbins Brothers Funeral Home
204 S Fair Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Celebration of Life
Saturday
August 30, 2025
11:00 AM
Robbins Brothers Funeral Home
204 S Fair Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Posted On: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 4:19 PM
