Margaret "Terry" Bates

New Iberia - Memorial services will be held for Margaret Theresa “Terry” Burton Bates, 77, on Monday, November, 17 2025 at 11 a.m. at Community Church with Rev. Jacob LeBlanc officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 17, 2025 10 a.m. until time of service.

Margaret Theresa “Terry” Burton Bates was born September 5, 1948 in Vivian, Louisiana. A native of Oil City, LA, Terry was a resident of New Iberia and surrounding areas for the past 15 years or so.

She was surrounded by family when she passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on November 6, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Lafayette, LA.

Terry is survived by her son Robert “Bobby” Bates, her daughter-in-law Aki, and her grandson Kai, of Fukuoka, Japan. She is also survived by her siblings; Martha Evelyn Lynn Darby and her husband Larry of Lafayette, LA; John Robert Burton, Jr. and his wife Sherie of Youngsville, LA; Paul Christopher Burton of New Iberia, LA; Cecilia Carolyn “Carol” Boudreaux and her husband Danny of Erath, LA; and Mary Constance “Connie” Andre and her husband Rusty of New Iberia, LA. She also leaves behind 15 nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Iris Margaret Barnes Burton, and John Robert Burton of Erath, LA and her sister Mary Anne Burton of Oil City, LA; her paternal grandparents Paul H. Burton and Sallie Bamburg Burton, and her maternal grandmother Vivian Louise Sibley Barnes Fruge.

Terry spent her early years in Oil City, LA and then in Tyler, TX. Her family then moved to New Iberia, LA. She attended Mt. Carmel High School in New Iberia and graduated from there in 1966.

Terry went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a concentration on English Literature from Northeast Louisiana University Class of 1970. She later studied English/Creative Writing at the University of West Florida Graduate School program.

Terry lived in New Orleans for a while where she worked as a Secretary at Children’s Hospital and then took the job of Civil Service Budget Analyst/Financial Program Administrator/Comptroller with the U.S. Navy. After a short stint in New Orleans, followed by about 2 years in Grand Prairie, Texas, Terry was transferred in 1977 to Naval Technical Training Center Corry Station ( (Now called Naval Air Station Pensacola, Corry Station) in Pensacola, Florida where she served for over 30 years.

Once Terry retired from her U.S. Navy civil service position, she worked part time at Books-A-Million, no doubt loving being surrounded by books and helping to guide people with what they were looking for. During this time, she began tutoring English part time in Pensacola, and pursued her teaching certification.

Terry was a cat lover, caring for many of them over the years. Throughout her adult life, she was never without at least one feline companion. Her last furry companion, her pride and joy, Ducky, was well loved and is an extremely sweet kitty.

Terry found joy in family gatherings, time with friends, her church community, and most recently, sharing the love of books and reading with the many special people in her book club. Terry also enjoyed playing games and watching game shows. There were few contestants she could not beat.

More than anything, Terry was deeply devoted to her family. She cared deeply for her parents, her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and her extended family (cousins, uncles, aunts, 2nd cousins, etc.). But above and beyond, she was always dedicated to her son first. She gave up interesting and exciting career opportunities in order to provide a more stable environment for Bobby. She worked tirelessly at her career, and made time to attend nearly every single extracurricular event in which Bobby was involved–football games where her son was on the bench, dreadful school plays, fundraisers, and more. She was devoted to her family, especially her son, to her last breath.

Terry’s greatest gift was her wit. There was no situation in which she could not find a bit of humor, or at least a bit of sarcasm, to lighten things up. Even in her most difficult times, she found a way to let the humor shine through. She loved to laugh, a trait common in her siblings and extended family. In victory, defeat, joy, sorrow, triumph, or tragedy, she could always find a way to make those around her smile.

Terry will be remembered for her deep love of family, sharp wit and intelligence, and compassion. We will always remember her uniqueness and what she taught us along the way about love, devotion, understanding, and patience.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in the name of Margaret "Terry" Bates to American Cancer Society; Autism Research Institute, and Acadiana Animal Aide.

Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.friouxfunerals.com.

Frioux-David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St. 337-369-6336 is in charge of arrangements.