Rev. Christine Elizabeth Bates

Rev. Christine (Christie) Elizabeth Bates transitioned from this life on February 23, 2025, at 11:11 a.m., in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 23, 1964, in Birmingham, Alabama to Sue Dickerson Bates and Robert Lewis Bates, Sr. Christie attended Banks High School in Birmingham, as well as BC Raines High School in Mobile, AL, before graduating from Banks in 1982. She graduated in 1986 from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. Christie was married to Mike McKaskle from 1987 to 2009 and they had two beautiful daughters, Erin Rae and Carol Jane.

Christie served at Cumberland Heights Foundation, an addiction treatment center in Nashville, TN, as first, Family Counselor and Clinical Coordinator of the Youth Treatment Program, and then as Clinical Coordinator of the Women’s Program from 2010-2013. She then built a contemplative program at The Ranch Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Center in Nashville, while also serving in 2016 as Director of the Men’s Program, and in 2017 as Director of the Women’s Program. In 2017 she started Passati Counseling and Direction. Christie once said “My job is not only to provide you with safety, but to teach you how to treat yourself so that you feel safe inside &; see clearly how you want to participate in life. Once you feel more connected to yourself, it becomes easier to identify how you want to be part of the solution to the suffering in the world. “

Christie undertook the Dharma Teacher Training Program at Embracing Simplicity Contemplative Order from 2014-2016 and became ordained to teach the Dharma under teachers: Ven. Pannavati and Ven. Pannadipa. Christie founded the Deep South Dharma meditation and discussion group in 2016. She is the author of two books, “Accepting Your Resurrection” and “The Beautiful Human”. Throughout her life, Christie had a love for writing and reading.

In childhood, her favorite places to be were Gramma’s house and school. Her favorite activities were reading chapter books from the “I Can Read” series and playing “Gilligan’s Island” with her sister, Jill. In adulthood, her favorite place to be in the world, and her favorite activity by far was being with her daughters and granddaughter.

Christie was a woman of remarkable wisdom and grace, a singular and irreplaceable presence in the world who found the good in everyone she met. She was a fierce advocate for the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of others. She dedicated her life, from an early age to being of service to others.

She was an incredible mom and Bubbie and mothered so many others throughout her life. She was kind, patient, safe, and wildly brilliant with a contagious laugh and radiant smile. She loved to learn and was constantly growing. She was an incredible friend and sought beautiful, hearty connections with those she loved. She helped her family, friends, and clients to free their hearts
from pain and allow deep connection within their lives. She taught so many to find and use their voice by practicing the same. She fought fiercely to protect her loved ones from any harm, even harm they could cause themselves. She treasured music and had a beautiful voice. She shared her love of these things and more with so many people throughout her life. She loved to pick Finley Grace up from school and get Dippin’ Dots together.

Christie is survived by her beloved daughters, Erin Rae McKaskle and Carol Jane McKaskle (Nick Hayes), her cherished granddaughter, Finley Grace—all of Nashville, brother Bobby Bates (Megan Husby) and nephews Benjamin Bates and Evan Bates, from Denver, CO, and sister Jill Bates, niece Ryan Finney, and great-niece Fiona King from Birmingham, AL.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Christie on March 7, 2025, at Unity of Nashville, 5125 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220 at 4:00 p.m. with a meal to follow. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m.- service time at Unity of Nashville.

Donations in Christie’s memory may be made to Heartwood Refuge (https://heartwoodrefuge.org/donate/) and Flowering Lotus Meditation (https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/donate)

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremations Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37209. (615) 857-9955.  We proudly remain locally owned & operated.