Jemiya Bates

Jemiya Shemika Semaj Bates was born November 21, 1996, in Kankakee, Illinois to Jemiko James Bates and Sherre Patrice Martin. Her mother preceded her in death. On July 10, 2016, Jemiya was baptized in Jesus Name House of Prayer Apostolic Church of God (Kankakee, IL) under the leadership of Elder Pastor Claudius C. Anderson, where she was a faithful member. She received her education in the Kankakee School District #111 and was an agile and highly skilled Track and Field athlete. Jemiya was a Kankakee Track Legend! She was a 2x State Champion and a 6x Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Medalist. In 2013, she helped her relay team to a First Place in the 4x100 meters, Third Place in the 4x200 meters relay and Eighth Place in the overall standing. In 2014, she helped her relay team finish First Place in the 4x200 meters, Third Place in the 4x100 meters and Seventh Place as a team. In May 2015, Jemiya graduated from Kankakee High School. Her love for this sport led her to coach at both of her alma maters, Kankakee’s Junior High and High School to train, inspire, and instill confidence to student athletes (2018-2020). Also, she coached the Kankakee Eastside Widgets and PeeWee’s Cheer Squad (2014-2019). Jemiya studied Early Childhood Development at Kankakee Community College. She was employed at Lasting Impressions Daycare and her most recent job was at Millie Progeler School, where she enjoyed cultivating and educating children. Jemiya was a loving, amazing, and compassionate mother to her son Jayden Jamar Petty who she lovingly referred to as “Poodah Butt”. As young as three weeks old, Jayden faithfully attended church with her. They both enjoyed spending quality time and often challenged one another in racing. This was her way of teaching him the fundamentals of track and field. At bedtime, Jayden enjoyed snuggling with his mother. He always displayed attentiveness and affection towards her. Jemiya will fondly be remembered for her beautiful smile, charismatic and fun-loving personality. She was the “Queen of Pranks” and will always be remembered for “pinching backsides” and capturing many antic moments on her phone. Jemiya loved sharing and making memorable bookmarks with her friends. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed giving herself unselfishly to everyone. For five years, Jemiya, a true woman of valor, fought a mighty battle against the illness that eventually called her home. On Thursday, December 16, 2021, Jemiya made her transition from this life into eternal rest surrounded and supported by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her loving mother Sherre Patrice Martin, Louise Pendleton (paternal great-grandmother), Rakeya Smith (aunt) and Misty Thomas (godmother). Jemiya memory will be forever cherished by her father Jemiko James Bates and son Jayden Jamar Petty. Grandmothers: Denise (Anthony) Stanley and Azalea Martin. Grandfathers: James Bates and Jimmy (Mary) Martin Sr. Sisters: Rayven Bates (Indianapolis, IN) and Yoni Wills (Kankakee, IL). Brothers: Marc Odeneal (Kankakee, IL) and Jemiko Bates Jr. (Bourbonnais, IL). Aunts: Shaniece Wilson (Hampton, GA), Rosa Martin (Bourbonnais, IL) and Kassandra Martin (Kankakee, IL). Uncles: Donald (Marshea) Washington (Kennesaw, GA), Michael Bates (Ft. Meyers, FL), Jimmie Martin Jr. (Kankakee, IL) and Terrance Haynes. Godsisters: Aariyan Thomas, Jakayla McCullor and Shaunisha Lewis. Godbrother: Davon Odeneal and a host of great aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.

Tributes

Jemiya Bates

November 21, 1996 - December 16, 2021