Movita Dianne Bates, affectionately known as “Punky”, was a native of Camden, New Jersey, born to Narcissus Overton and Gussie Earl Hall, on October 15, 1939, in an apartment over the B&O Restaurant owned by her uncle, Frank Overton. She was the eldest of 13 children.

Punky attended Camden City public schools which included, Whittier Elementary, Hatch Middle and Camden High School. She was very creative during her formative years and expressed an interest in ballet and band, where she played the clarinet for several years. Although she had a creative side and loved the Arts, she ultimately attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan

University) and received her B.A. degree in education in June of 1961 which was greatly influenced by her upbringing with Ruth Martin. She began her professional teaching career in Elementary Education in Camden at Cooper Grant School. She taught at Fetters, Bonsall, and later retired from Riletta Twyne Cream School in 1999. She was dedicated to the children of Camden City and held various positions on the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Board and participated in the “Research for Better Schools” committee. Punky’s teaching skills and desire to sew a seed into the future of others provided her an opportunity to mentor students from Rutgers University who were getting a degree in Early Education. For this, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year. She believed, “being educated truly made you free.” In addition to teaching elementary school, she also taught Sunday school.

Punky had a beautiful disposition – she was kind-hearted, had a brilliant sense of humor, an infectious laugh and she loved to talk. She enjoyed sewing, writing and collecting pens, and closely watching politics. Her television stayed on MSNBC. She loved her family immensely; it didn’t matter if you were her biological or chosen family, once she pulled you into her heart you were there to stay. Punky was a low-key genealogist, she kept a record of every birthdate (and zodiac sign), wedding, and death. She sent cards or made phone calls to let you know she was thinking of you. She believed in staying connected and talked to many of her siblings on a daily basis.

She was very involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren making sure they were ready for the world. She owned more books than are housed in a public library; and if you were struggling academically, she made sure that you had some supplemental work for the summer, as her grandchildren can attest. Everyone she touched has a memory or story about her that would make you smile. One thing about her that everyone can attest to, was her ability to read a road map (pre-GPS) and navigate you through a “short-cut” to your destination. Somehow those directions always seemed to be a longer journey than expected, and always took you pass an outlet mall. She would just laugh when you called to protest about how long the journey took. Lastly, if you visited her home and you touched her white walls…all I can say is “get the Spic & Span and the bucket” … IYKYK (LOL!).

Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Punky ALWAYS made us feel loved and seen. Her enormous personality and presence will be greatly missed; however, she left behind the best pieces of herself for us to forever carry in our hearts.

Punky peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home on July 24, 2025, in Berlin, New Jersey. She joins her parents,Narcissus Overton Williams and Gus Hall; three siblings, Irvin Hall, Augustus Williams, Jr. and Milton Custis; and special brother-in-law, Elijah Crawford in eternal rest. She leaves behind to cherish her memories two daughters, Michele Bates-Godfrey (Richard) and Janine Bates; five grandchildren, Bretagne Walker, GiaVonni Velez, Imani Johnson, Armani Bates-Rudolph and Gian Bates-Rudolph; and one great-grandchild, Kira Encarnacion; her godchildren, Alison Ashe-Card and Donna Williams. She also leaves eight sisters, Cynthia Bascomb (Paul), Susan Crawford, Adrienne Hall, Theresa Portigiano (Anthony),Yvonne Williams-Jones, Beverly Johnson, Narcissus Williams; and special sister-in-law, Theola Hall. Three brothers, Arthur Williams, Alexis Williams, Andre Williams (Linda); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.