757.628.1000

Aubrey Tyron Bates, Sr.


Sunrise: January 13, 1975

Sunset: March 22, 2020

Chicago weather in January can be daunting. However, the Lord picked such a day to bring our wonderful Aubrey into the world. On January 13, 1975, a baby boy was born to Faye Loretta bunch Bates and Aubrey Bates, they named him Aubrey Tyron Bates. He had an older sister Audra, who even then, assumed the duties of caring for her baby brother. The family remained in Chicago until tragedy struck when Aubrey was five. His father went home to be with the Lord and Faye decided it was best to raise her children back in Virginia, where she would have the support and love of her family.

Aubrey was educated through Norfolk Public Schools. He attended Suburban Park Elementary, Norview Middle School and graduated from Lake Taylor High School in 1994. Aubrey was a very active young man. He excelled in math, chorus, band and leadership. He also he a love for music and the performing arts. During his high school years, he played trumpet for Lake Taylor High School marching band, was a powerful tenor voice in the Lake Taylor Chambers singers and was an enthusiastic member of the Hurrah Players and the Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory. He has played numerous lead roles to include:

  • Ton Ton Juliam ~ “Once on This Island”
  • Wiz ~ “The Wiz”
  • Bundles ~ “Annie”
  • Big Pig ~ “Charlotte’s Web”
  • The plant (sing/speaking voice) ~ “Little Shop of Horrors”

He played a host of supporting roles in major productions in both companies to include “Starmites”, “Wind and the Willows” and “The Me Nobody Knows”. His extracurricular activities never slowed his work ethic. He worked at Pizza Hut, McDonalds and Chi Chi’s part time while attending high school.

Upon graduation in 1994, he began his studies at the illustrious Virginia State University as an Education Major. He transferred to Norfolk State University to continue his studies in 1998. While attending Virginia State, he tapped further into his great leadership skills as a shift manager at McDonald’s. Aubrey excelled so well that he was sent to McDonald’s Hamburger University in Chicago, Illinois and became a corporate trainer. Post studies, he remained in restaurant management most of his life. He is well remembered as top staff at Logan’s Roadhouse in the Norfolk location. He was sent to various locations statewide to train and onboard new staff for Logan’s Roadhouse. In 2012, he was offered a position in Atlanta, Georgia as a District Manager to train and open new restaurants for Chili’s until his health required him to return home to Virginia.

Despite his talent and skill in restaurant management, Aubrey found his true passion in education. He was a well-respected and much-loved substitute teacher for Norfolk Public Schools for nearly 20 years. Most of his assignments were long term middle school classes. He excelled in whatever subject or grade level he was assigned but, had a special love for middle school history and science. He was requested most by his alma mater, Norview Middle School. During his time there, he taught every grade level science and history. Aubrey is the ONLY substitute teacher for Norfolk Public Schools to lead students to the National History Day Competition.

One of his best kept secrets was that Aubrey could SING! He could be counted on to lend his vocal talent to family reunions, weddings, serenades to those he loved and lullabies to children. He even sang his wedding proposal. He loved music!! He not only played trumpet in marching band, he sang in his church choirs and even went on to direct youth and young adult choirs in the churches where he served. At the time of his passing, Aubrey was an active member of New Calvary Baptist Church. However, Aubrey was raised in a Christian family where being connected to a church home was a priority. No matter where he was, he found a church to serve. He has attended Friendship Baptist Church, Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.

In 1997, Aubrey decided he wanted to settle down and start a family. That “singing proposal” happened in December of 1997. He married Christina Celeste Gardner on December 5, 1998. Their first child was an anniversary/Christmas gift.  “Junior”, Aubrey Tyron Bates, Jr was born on December 15, 1999. His “Princess”, Kaylah Adan Bates was, born as a Valentines gift on February 20, 2001. Aubrey was “Dad” to Geramiah Gardner by marriage. He always said he had three children. Although he was affectionately called “Uncle Boo”, he was a father figure to all of his nephews and a host of “God children”.

He was predeceased by his mother, Faye, his father Aubrey, his grandmother Almeda Bunch Jefferson, a beloved Aunt Lorraine Addison, four Uncles Glenn, Ronnie and Cornell Jefferson and Calvin Bunch, Sr. He leaves to carry his legacy, three children Aubrey “Lil Boo” Jr, Kaylah, and Geramiah, his sisters Melanie (Edward) Peterson Audra (Leroy) Brown; One niece, Karis; six nephews, Deonte, Aubree, Bryan, Janofsky, DeAundre and Jalen. Three loving aunts, Marjorie (Nathaniel) Jones, Donesses (Ronald) Smith and Della Sanders. Also, two uncles, Donnell (Melissa) and Darryl (Romanda) Jefferson. Also cherishing his memory are countless cousins, friends and co-workers.

Viewing Monday, March 30, 2020 4:00pm - 8:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Tuesday, March 31, 2020 2:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance.

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Condolences(23)

  1. reply
    Demetria Jackson Rawls says

    Aubrey will be greatly missed. He would brightened up any room with a smile and a joke. He loved God and is resting in peace. He will be missed.

  2. reply
    Diane Hoody says

    To the Bates family”” sending lot’s of love and prayers”” Aubrey will truly be missed” I’m going to carry his kind bright beautiful smile in my heart”” family stand strong together”” ????????

  3. reply
    Keejafee outlaw says

    Never a Dull Moment When. Aubrey Was Around❤️RIP cps alltel And logans

    • reply
      Diane McCrary says

      To the Bate family I’m truly sorry for the loss of your Love one. May he Rest in Heaven.

  4. reply
    Nicole Thornton says

    Our friendship was truly special. I will miss you more than words can express. May your love ones find comfort in the fact that you are finally resting with pain ❤

  5. reply
    Terrance Vanderhall says

    Aubrey was a great man and a great friend. He will be missed. Love and prayers for his family.

  6. reply
    Shawn Jefferson says

    My brother!! Always with a smile on your face, trash to talk, and a great heart on your sleeve. You definitely left an imprint on all the lives you touched and you will be greatly missed. I love you bro and I know God and Ms Faye have you now and you are at peace.

  7. reply
    Kimberly Person says

    God gained a great spirit in Aubrey. I love him and his bright light. Aubrey always made me smile and was such a wonderful worker. My love goes out to all his children he loves y’all so much and fave shined just talking about yall. God Bless Kim Person

  8. reply
    Shanita Lowery says

    My deepest condolences to the family of Aubrey. Words can’t come close to the love I had for him. I will miss his beautifully powerful tenor voice. You will all be in my prayers.

  9. reply
    Lisa Yvette Montgomery says

    Heaven Has An Angel name Aubrey T. Bates with a Smile that will Light the Clouds Bright. He Always had a Smile and Always gave Big Hugs. ????
    To the Bates Family: Prayers for Comfort and Strength. ????????

  10. reply
    Tongela Beamon Outten says

    I’m in disbelief right now . I meet Aubrey when he worked at CPS. He had a heart of gold. He made you laugh and smile even on a real bad day . He will be truly missed by many. RIH Aubrey.

  11. reply
    Nicole says

    RIH Aubrey ????

  12. reply
    Sherry Stephens says

    Aubrey was a wonderful person he was like a brother to me I will often see him on weekends and always made sure that I. would go over and hug him and kiss him tell him that I love him I moved away from Virginia in December and was sadly hurt when I found out of his passing since then I haven’t been able to sleep I think about him constantly he was such a wonderful man I will truly miss my brother but I know he’s in a better place and he’s smiling down on everyone who loved him I pray the family have strength to carry on and be proud of all the accomplishments that he made during his lifetime he will surely be missed God bless you all

  13. reply
    Kimberly Jefferson says

    My condolences to the Bates family, love you Boo Rest In Peace.

  14. reply
    Vera Jernigan says

    My most heartfelt prayers & condolences to you all. I first met Mr. Bates when he was a long term sub at the elementary school where I work. He was ALWAYS so nice, kind, polite & very well mannered. It was ALWAYS a pleasure to serve him.

  15. reply
    Anthony Moore says

    Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. God bless you all.

  16. reply
    Rebekah Gaines says

    I send my deepest sympathies, condolences, & prayers to his children and family. Farewell longtime pal! We’ve shared many a laugh, performance, & song. Take your rest Aubrey.

  17. reply
    Zakiyyah says

    My Aubrey…you are so dearly LOVED and immensely MISSED. Forever.

  18. reply
    L. Blowe says

    It is with my deepest sympathy and empathy that I share the news of the passing of Mr. Bates. I will be praying for the ongoing strength and peace of mind for the family. Please know that although you have lost an earthy voice, heaven has gained an angel. May God continue to bless and cover you all. With love, Ms. Blowe

  19. reply
    Traci Harris says

    I am so very sorry for the loss you must endure. He will be missed. I will keep the Family of Aubrey in my prayers. Know that he is at peace now, and he will continue to watch over his family.

  20. reply
    Kristi L. Cheeks-Mitchell says

    My Condolences to his family at this time. I attend Rosemont Middle school with Aubrey and kept in touch with him while we were adults. He was a wonderful person..He kept me laughing and I will forever miss him

  21. reply
    Sandra N. Williams says

    Aubrey,
    Heaven has another beautiful voice for their choir. (VSU Always) Love ???? You My Friend Until We Sing Again.

  22. reply
    Your student from Rosemont Middle School 2002 says

    “Aubrey is the ONLY substitute teacher for Norfolk Public Schools to lead students to the National History Day Competition.”
    National History Day was with us his students from Rosemont Middle School in 2002. We won 1st and 2nd place in our history day performance in Maryland!! We all went in there and killed it! He was a very fun teacher and made learning interesting!
    RIP Mr. Bates

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