Carol Jean Bates

Bates, Carol Jean "short stuff" - Age 76, of Gaines, passed away  on November 26, 2023. Funeral services will be held 12 PM Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel 1000 Silver Lake Rd. Fenton. ( A Livestream service will be on Carol's webpage at (https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/95066) Visitation will be held 10 AM Thursday until the time of the service at the funeral home. Those desiring may make contributions to Shriners Hospital for Children. Carol was born April 21, 1947 in Flint, the daughter of  Thomas and Thelma (Preston) Cooney. She was a Lake Fenton High School graduate. Carol was known as "short stuff the clown" with the Shriners for many years. She was a bus aide for Genesee County intermediate school. Carol was also a host mom for many exchange students from many countries. She is survived by her children, Robert (Cheryl) Bates of Hampshire, TN., Tina Bates of Byron; grandchildren, Daniel Bates of Lynville, TN., Cheyenna Mayfield (Doug) of Spring Hill, TN., Julian Hylton of St. Augustine, FL., and Adrian Hylton of St. Augustine, FL.; great-grandchildren, A.J., Lilly and James; brother, Thomas Cooney of Flint; many nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.