Deborah Jordan Bates, M.D.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Dr. Deborah “Debbie” Jordan Bates, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 29th from a sudden illness.

Debbie was a highly respected physician and a cherished wife, sister, mother, daughter, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was born on November 9, 1951 and raised in Augusta, Georgia, where she attended Monte Sano Elementary, Tubman Jr. High, and Richmond Academy.

Debbie enrolled at Agnes Scott College at the age of sixteen, graduating in 1972 with a specialty in Biology. She was a proud “Scottie” who cherished the enduring friendships and foundational education she received there. Throughout her life, Debbie was active in the alumnae association and planned several reunions. She was also a member of the Frances Winship Walters Society and the Tower Circle Society.

Debbie completed medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in 1976. Her class was particularly close and is known for a remarkably high reunion attendance rate. She completed her residency in internal medicine and was board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine.

Debbie began her career as a physician in the Emergency Department at University Hospital, commencing a lifelong passion in emergency medicine. She became a partner in the first urgent care clinic of Augusta, pioneering a then-new form of accessible community medical care. Later, she served on the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia in Emergency Medicine and worked as a staff physician at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Augusta and Piedmont Hospital in Thomson. Throughout her professional career, Debbie was highly respected by her colleagues for her professionalism and by her patients for her kindness.

Debbie’s greatest joy in life was her family. She married Gerald “Jerry” Woods in 1983, with whom she enjoyed traveling to Asia and Europe. She treasured becoming a mother to her two children, Paul and Katie, and was overjoyed when she became a grandmother this year. Debbie was also known for her generous, caring, and lasting friendships.

Debbie held a strong sense of civic responsibility and was very active in multiple community groups and nonprofit boards. A graduate of Leadership Augusta, she served in many board positions and ultimately as the President of The Junior League of Augusta, Women in Philanthropy, and All Seasons Garden Club. Additionally, she served as the Treasurer and “doctor on call” for her homeowner’s association and was a member of The Augusta Symphony Guild and the Augusta Country Club. She was a long-term congregant at the Church of the Good Shepherd, where she frequently volunteered and sang in the church choir.

Beyond her skills as a doctor and community leader, Debbie was an accomplished embroiderer and cross stitcher. Her final piece was a delicate and beautiful needlepoint kneeler lovingly created for her church. She was also a celebrated cook who enjoyed entertaining and cooking for others to express her love.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gerald W. Woods, her children Paul Woods (Amanda) and Katie Johnson (Chris), her beloved granddaughter Madeleine Woods, her sister Julie Idles (Dave), sisters-in-law Dr. Pamela Duncan (Larry) and Patricia Longshore (Bill), and their respective families. Her family and friends will miss her deeply.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904 with the Rev. Dr. Joe Bowden and the Rev. Dr. Bunny Simon Williams officiating. A visitation and reception will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests gifts to be made in memory of Dr. Deborah J. Bates to the following organizations:

Agnes Scott College, The Fund for Agnes Scott, https://give.agnesscott.edu

MCG Alumni Association Stethoscope Program (Fund #8330), c/o Medical College of Georgia Foundation, 720 St. Sebastian Way, Ste 150, Augusta, GA 30901-9905, or online at: https://www.mcgfoundation.org/stethoscope.

Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904

Arrangements are being provided by Platt's Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 733-3636. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.