On the early morning of Saturday, March 22, 2025, while everything was quiet and peaceful, Paulette A. McKinnon went home to be with the Lord. After a period of illness and a very strong fight, as much as we loved her and wanted her to remain with us, the Lord knew best and called his daughter home.
Paulette was the oldest of ten children born to the late Sarah Jane and Jerome B. Bates. She received education from Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School class of 1967. During the course of her life, her work history included Norfolk Public Schools, Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk Southern, and other various places of employment. She was married to the late Chares E. McKinnon Sr, and from that union, she had a son, Charles, Jr.
Paulette was lovable with a strong personality, outspoken, and very much opinionated. She was inquisitive but private at the same time. She loved to travel, have fun, laugh, and assist older individuals. She would always let it be known that she was the “The Oldest” of ten. After living in Norfolk for numerous years, she moved with her son and his husband to Virginia Beach, where she was lovingly taken care of until the very end. Paulette was predeceased by her grandmother, Ella Peterson, her parents, Sarah and Jerome, and her brother, Wayne M. Bates.
Left to cherish her memories are her children, Sharon Harleston (Howard) and Frances Bates (Guy) both of Deer Park, NY; who were raised by their Great Grandmother Ella, Charles E. McKinnon, Jr. (Ron) of Virginia Beach, a grand-daughter Jade Simmons of Deer Park, NY, siblings Tawana Burtt of Norfolk, Anthony (Virginia) and Floyd (Valerie) both of Chesapeake, Stephen of Norfolk, Garry (Linda) of Lorton, Virginia, Sterling (Cynthia) of Orlando, FL, Lugretha Cain-Parker(Terry) of San Diego, CA, Gerald of Oakland, CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family, friends, life-long friend/sister Margurite Scott, and the Mitchell Family.
Paulette will always be remembered as a woman of class. Her perseverance and love made a lasting impression. She was full of joy and always kind, but she was also a mother, sister, cousin, friend, and confidant who will be deeply missed. She never complained, and she always said she was fine.
Condolences(24)-
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Kim Dickens says
March 25, 2025 at 6:14 pmMay the Lord comfort your hearts as only He can do.
Harris Herbert families says
March 26, 2025 at 10:06 amDeepest sympathies go out to the family…earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Jabie Jitta says
March 27, 2025 at 3:22 pmHeartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Her presence lit up every room she entered, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her generous spirit and compassion touched the lives of many, and her legacy will continue to be an inspiration to all.
Ben McIntosh says
March 28, 2025 at 11:59 amTO OUR FRIEND FROM OUR LINDENWOOD DAYS. R I P. THE MCINTOSH FAMILY.
Latonia Davis says
March 27, 2025 at 3:56 pmCharles, I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of those around you and strength in the memories you shared. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Kuroda says
March 29, 2025 at 5:20 pmThank you for keeping our Bank of America family safe for so many years. Sleep well angel .
Ronald (Space) Griffin says
March 30, 2025 at 8:16 pmMy condolences to the family! I haven’t seen Paulette in years but I have never forgotten how kind and nice she was when growing up in our neighborhood.
Sheri Hanasky says
March 31, 2025 at 12:59 pmCharles and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I valued your stories about your mom and felt I knew her. You are a wonderful son, and she was blessed to have you. My prayers are with you.
Charles 'Snake ' Davis says
March 31, 2025 at 6:15 pmMy condolences to the Bates family. We all grew up together in Lindenwood. She was nice and sometimes gave me some ‘life’ advice.
Teresa Hodges Deloatch says
April 2, 2025 at 8:16 pmMy heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time. I worked with Paulette at Norfolk General Hospital Medical Records Department She was so much fun! It was a joy to come in each day she had us laughing all day long. Her generous spirit and compassion touched the lives of many. She will be truly missed!
Carolyn Saunders says
April 2, 2025 at 9:12 pmMy sincere condolences to the family. Paulette and I were neighbors for many, she will be missed. May God continue to strengthen you during this difficult time.
Sybil Williams says
April 2, 2025 at 9:26 pmMy prayers going up to the family f your live one n my neighbor f many yrs RIP Paulette
Sybil Williams says
April 2, 2025 at 9:28 pmPraying f the family n Rest in Peace my neighbor my friend Paulette
Crystal Simons-Waters says
April 3, 2025 at 7:09 amSending our deepest sympathy to Mr. Anthony (Virginia) & Family. May God continue to bless your family and give you peace, strength and Love during this difficult time. Blessings to you all. 🙏❤️🙏
Simons-Waters Family ❤️
Jennette Robinson says
April 3, 2025 at 12:59 pmMy condolences to the family let not your hearts be troubled
Vera Jernigan says
April 3, 2025 at 8:59 pmMy prayers & condolences to Tawana & family. #Lindenwoodfamily
Rodney Woodhouse says
April 3, 2025 at 9:55 pmMy condolences to the entire family.
Rodney Woodhouse says
April 3, 2025 at 9:56 pmMy condolences to brother Bates and the entire family.
Ernest and Diane Humphries says
April 4, 2025 at 7:01 pmWe would like to extend our condolences to the family and loved ones. Blessings and prayers to you all.
Valeria Heckstall says
April 4, 2025 at 8:04 pmMy heart felt condolences. She will be missed
Valeria Heckstall says
April 4, 2025 at 8:05 pmMy heart felt condolences.
McGuire-Lewis Family says
April 5, 2025 at 12:04 amTo the Family:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6:24-26 ❤️🙏🏾
Sandra Keeling Smith says
April 5, 2025 at 2:23 pmMy most sincere condolences to the entire family. My prayers are with you. May God grant you comfort and peace in this time of sadness.
Clennine Osborne ( Bee) says
April 5, 2025 at 4:19 pmMy condolences to the family. May God bless you with peace comfort and love that only he can give. I’m sending love and prayers during this difficult time. God’s strength is prefect.
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