Audrey Teresa Bates was born on January 31, 1944 to the late William Dorsey and Mary Sophonia Neale-Dorsey in Baltimore, Maryland. After a courageous battle with cancer, Audrey slipped away peacefully, on February 27, 2019, to be with the Lord. Audrey was baptized and received her early education at St. Peter Claver’s Catholic Church & School. Audrey majored in Psychology where she graduated with honors from University of Baltimore with a Bachelors of Arts Degree. Audrey was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. in Baltimore, MD. Audrey LOVED helping others as she worked as a counselor for HERO in Baltimore, MD before moving to Virginia. She was working on her Masters Degree in Theology at Holy Light Bible College before her illness. She was ordained a Pastor in 2010 through the Acts 2 Network at Western Branch Community Church. Audrey joined St. Francis Xavier where she sang on the choir and became a Eucharistic Minister in Baltimore. She later joined Western Branch Community Church (WBCC), where she served as a Pastor and Prayer Minister. She welcomed people at the altar, listened to their prayer requests, prayed with and for them; ministering to their hurt and pain. She was also a community group leader, teaching the Word of God, in her uniquely personal fashion.Audrey went back to her roots and rejoined the Catholic Church. She joined St. Therese Catholic Church.She was actively involved in several committees: Eucharistic Minister and Porter Ministry.Audrey’s Spirituality led her to pursue a career in counseling. Her soul’s desire was to reach socially and economically disadvantaged women and children. God called Audrey; “MOM” at a young age and the Blessed Mother became her mother. She followed the example of the Virgin Mary in obedience to the Lord. Audrey was small in stature with a giant heart. She was a MOTHER to many, grandmother, sister, aunt, Counselor, one of the Matriarchs of the family; a friend to many, spiritual advisor and a GIFT to all. She always helped and sacrificed herself no matter what. She was a soldier for Christ, a mentor; she was a ‘Virtuous Women’; very energetic, and she loved dancing (she was a dance machine) - she could light up a room. She was an avid reader, loved to sing, watch good movies, and spend time with her family. Audrey fulfilled her desire to travel aboard. She had the opportunity to go to Africa, Italy, France, and Mecca. She loved talking about the love of Jesus Christour Savior. Her favorite song was “Going Up Yonder” and her favorite bible verse was the 23rd Psalm.Audrey leaves a great legacy to carry on: one daughter and son in-law, Karen and Charles Graham; three sons (Michael, Anthony and Patrick Bates); five sisters (Martha Whiting, Mary Sterrett, Eunice Thompson, Cecilia Nnvadozie, and Marie Dorsey); and two brothers, Andrew Dorsey and Lewis Campbell. In addition to the above mentioned are 6 grandchildren: Joshua (whom she raised); Kevin, Keara, Karisma, Kyla, PJ and Asia; 8 Spiritual daughters: Melanie, Yvette, Regina, Debbie, Laurie, Cyndi, Maureen and Latoya; one Spiritual sister Blanche Wilson; special friend Della; 4 Spiritual Grandchildren: Xavier, Damien, Rukay and Kaway. Audrey also leaves, to cherish her loving memories, a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Her husband Howard Bates Jr, daughter Bernadette Bates, son Kevin Bates, and 2 granddaughters, Jakia (whom she raised), and Destiny - preceded her in death.