Merle Bates–Griggs

Merle Bates was born on Saturday, November 7, 1936, in Washington, D.C., to Alice Martin Bates and Robert Edward Bates, Sr., who lovingly welcomed their baby girl. She would later be affectionately known as "Momo," a name lovingly given by her first grandchild, Shay, who couldn't yet pronounce "Grandmom."

Merle grew up in the Kingman Park neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C., alongside her five siblings. She attended nearby elementary and junior high schools before transferring in 1952 to the newly built Spingarn High School. With aspirations of becoming a journalist, Merle served as the Feature Editor of the school newspaper, The Sentinel. She was also elected Section President, President of the Girls' League, Secretary of the Student Council, and was a proud member of the National Thespian Society. Teachers and neighbors alike admired her for her charm, grace, and leadership.

During high school, Merle volunteered at Freedmen's Hospital as a Candy Striper. Her popularity among peers led to her being crowned Spingarn's inaugural May Queen in 1953. She crowned her successor just weeks before graduating in 1954 as a member of the school's first graduating class.

While attending Georgetown University part-time, Merle worked full-time for the U.S. Department of the Navy. In 1955, she left Washington to attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. There, she was the only African American woman on the Women's Interdorm Council and was elected Vice President. She played a central role in organizing Homecoming events, the Honors Day Banquet, and two annual formals. Later, she earned an associate degree in medical records from Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

At Drake University, Merle met Donald Spangler. After marrying in Washington, D.C., they settled in Cleveland, Ohio, and were blessed with two daughters and a son. Following the end of that marriage, Merle remained in Cleveland and raised her children with unwavering dedication. In 1972, she married Horace Griggs, and their union was blessed with another daughter, completing her loving family.

Merle accepted Christ in her youth and was a member of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. In 1978, she joined East Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cleveland, where she was baptized by Pastor A. Charles Bowie. She became a faithful member of Sunday School Class #3, regularly attended Bible Study, and served in the Women's Ministry through the Hannah Samaritan Circle, the Minnie Manuel Star in the East, and the Julia Rosanna Circle.

For 25 years, Merle served faithfully as President of the Courtesy Committee. In this role, she created a warm and welcoming environment for members and visitors alike, offering her signature smile and gracious hospitality. She was honored by the church in 2020 for her exceptional commitment and service. After retiring from NEON, she continued to volunteer in the church office and actively participated in the Seniors' Ministry. She also extended her outreach as a member of AGAPE.

Professionally, Merle began her career in Cleveland with the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party as an Administrative Assistant, later working with the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. When NEON (Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services) was founded, Merle became its very first employee. She served as Medical Records Director for 44 years, retiring with distinction and admiration from her peers.

Merle's sense of style and confidence shone through in her role as President of the Forest City Volunteers in East Cleveland, where she organized and promoted fashion shows. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation.

She resided in East Cleveland for many years and later moved to the Oliver House in Shaker Heights. There, she found companionship in a close-knit group of friends known as "The Crew," who gathered daily for fellowship, Bible study, and birthday celebrations-offering snacks and warmth to all who passed by.

Merle was a woman of elegance, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community. She found joy in traveling with her children and friends, exploring the United States and abroad. Among her favorite trips were visits to Paris, where she enjoyed the art and museums of France, and the United Kingdom, where she toured the historic colleges of Cambridge, the home of Oliver Cromwell in Ely, the Ely Cathedral, and the cultural richness of London.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alice and Robert E. Bates, Sr.; her husband, Horace Griggs; and her brother, Martin Randolph (Randy) Bates.

Cherishing her memory are her children: Sherelle Spangler Oakley, Donnie Spangler (Carla), Nicole Spangler, and Amber Griggs Bright (Terrod); her grandchildren: Shanitra Spangler Everett, Curtis and Christian Oakley, Allen Pulphus, Richard Johnson, and Alexandria Bright; great-grandchildren: Tahir, Takara, Triana, and Tristyn Everett, Prince-Ryleigh, Royce, and Eliana Johnson; and great-great-granddaughter, Gi'Anni Nimai Everett.

She is also survived by her siblings: Robert E. Bates, Jr. (Upper Marlboro, MD), Mary Bates-Washington (Avondale Terrace, MD), Kenneth Bates (Dena) (Clinton, MD), and Christopher Bates (Lori) (Phoenix, AZ); her sister-in-love, Katherine Bates (Washington, D.C.); her goddaughter, Dr. Andrea Pennington (Detroit, MI); and her sister-friend, Donna Powell (Chillum, MD). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends also remain to celebrate and carry forward her legacy.

Merle Bates lived a life full of service, grace, and love-a beautiful example of faith in action and a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.