Swann Lou Lake Bates passed into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on January 18. 2024 at the age of 96.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James R Bates, March 15, 2023, her parents Charles and Swann Lake, her sister, Frances Ferguson and daughter, Donna Ruth Bates Forrest.
She leaves behind her children Cynthia Atwood Steinberg (Paul), James R Bates Jr., and Pam Nuenke (Doug); as well as her Grandchildren Calvin Atwood, Justin Atwood, Swann Bates Waterhouse, Jack Bates, Rachel Forrest, Alexander Forrest Carter, Hannah Forrest Long, Beth Ann Nuenke Mergens, Lauren Nuenke Rowland, and Will Nuenke. In addition, she leaves a godly legacy on 18 great-grand children and several nieces and nephews.
Swann was born in Paris, Texas on April 30, 1927 to Charles and Swann Lake. Swann spent her childhood years in Shreveport, Louisiana where she graduated from Bird High School. She married her husband, James R. Bates of Ada, Oklahoma in 1947.
A year after they were married, they relocated to Louisburg, KS and soon after to the Kansas City area where she would live out her life as a devoted wife, mother, mentor, spiritual mother and friend.
In 1958, Swann’s path was forever impacted by her encounter with the Christian Women’s Club. Inspired by fellow women, she renewed her commitment to Christ, marking the genesis of her impactful journey as a faith leader. Over six decades, she became a well-known spiritual influence in the Kansas City area.
In addition to raising her children, Swann’s devotion extended to her deep faith as she immersed herself in church, prayer groups, Bible Study and mentoring young women. Known for her gracious “southern hospitality”, she hosted gatherings ranging from bridal showers and Sunday school gatherings to youth group pool parties and elegant meals prepared alongside James. Their signature meal included Caesar salad , Fettucine and homemade cheesecake. An iconic presence at many events was her cherished sweet tea, a staple at nearly every occasion.
She became a “spiritual mother” to many women throughout the years. She was a respected women of influence known for her teaching, speaking, mentoring, prayer, and faith in a big God. Her warm smile and compassionate heart drew many into her circle. She was the first to lead, teach and bring Kay Arthur Precepts Studies to Kansas City. She helped start and led countless studies in Kansas and Missouri. Swann addressed many women’s groups encouraging them in faith, prayer and following Jesus in their daily lives. She was a pivotal figure in promoting prayer in her church and in the wider Kansas City community.
Swann’s legacy also lies in her dedicated role as a mother and grandmother, affectionately known as “Meme.” She poured her heart into her family, nurturing them with her culinary talents, sharing recipes in the kitchen, and imparting lessons on faith. Her cherished presence often graced the early morning hours, where her grandchildren would find her deep in prayer and studying her Bible. Among many treasured memories includes pool days at the house with her signature twist on an Arnold Palmer, infused with garden-fresh mint.
She will forever be remembered as an influence among women, a nurturer of the younger generation, an embodiment of joy, an unyielding prayer warrior and a steadfast follower of Jesus in the good and the hard.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan 26th at 11am at Lenexa Baptist Church, 15320 W. 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. A visitation will be held after the funeral service. Private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Navigators, PO Box 50740 Colorado Springs, CO 80949 please specify acct #22439343 or House of Hope Kansas City, 7044 Antioch Rd. Overland Park, KS 66204. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
She was my beloved friend and mentor. Her influence was widespread throughout the area and the nation. Her prayer life was an example to all who came in contact with her. She’s finished this journey well but now in her heavenly abode where she is with the Savior whom she loved passionately.
We loved our dear Swann! What a fun, people loving, devoted prayer warrior, southern, beautiful woman she was! We celebrate her life with you as we mourn her passing! Our very deepest sympathy to all of your family! We love you!
Sorry for your families loss 🙏
Swann introduced me to Precept Bible studies and I have been leading them ever since—45 years. She was a mentor to many and a wonderful example to follow. She is with Jesus so I’ll see her again. Well done Swann! Judy Smith
This is a beautiful tribute to Swann. I met her at College Church during our time of daily prayer meetings. She taught me so much and prayed me through many difficult family situations from 2000 to 2010. She told me many times she was praying for me a mate, even though I told her I didn’t want one. And now I’ve been very happily married in Mississippi for 11 years. I loved hearing Swann pray and will always cherish the many memories.
So many things about Swann that will be truly missed. Her warm greeting of, “Hi, honey!” with her delightful drawl and big smile. Her notes of encouragement and love, her reminder to always look our best because we represent Jesus, and her renowned pimento cheese sandwiches on marbled rye.
Swann impacted for the good every person who crossed her path. She had a heart for all and truly cared—to the point that she she would pray on the spot for a person whom she had just met.
Swann’s life was prayer. She was always praising and praying to her beloved Friend and Savior, Jesus.
She had long-awaited her heavenly homecoming to see her Lord face-to-face. And she wanted everyone to have that relationship with Jesus. She would often tell Him that He could write his name across the sky, and she was hoping that He would. Again, her heart was that all would believe and receive Jesus Christ as Lord.
We will miss our dear friend and mentor but know that we will see her again soon.
I thank God for Swann’s faithful service and for the testimony of her life! I am grateful for her influence and example in my life and in our city. She leaves a legacy of love 💕
Swann showed me how to live Jesus everyday, everywhere. Forever grateful am I for the years shared with this Lady of the Lord. She loved, lived and finished well.
My husband and I were a young couple with one baby daughter when we moved to Overland Park, KS in 1972. We almost immediately joined a church in the area and became members of Jim and Swann’s Sunday School class for young couples.They welcomed us so warmly and ministered to us in special ways that year. We had been there for less than a year when my Daddy (back in Dalton, GA) passed away unexpectedly. Jim took me and my baby girl to the airport so that I could fly home while my husband prepared to drive our car all the way back to Dalton, GA. I’ll never forget the kindness and love expressed through Jim and Swann the year that we lived there. We were then transferred to St. Louis with my husband’s job. Swann visited us once in St. Louis when she came to speak at a Christian Women’s Club event. She spent one night in our very modest home. We loved Jim and Swann very much and look forward to seeing them in Heaven one day! They were such wonderful Christian examples for us! We have now been married over 57 years. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with their family as they miss precious Swann and Jim. Always thankful for Jim and Swann Bates. Jane Murphy
She was the spiritual mother to so many of. The business of life caused a drifting away, but Swann will always have a special place in my heart. Swann was the first persons I met when I moved with my family to the KC area. I got her name from Precept Ministries so that I could find a Bible study connection when I moved to KC. She was a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit.