Johnnie Cates

Johnnie Lawson Cates, resident of Hobbs, New Mexico and formerly of Sanderson, Texas, passed away on May 6, 2018, at Desert Gardens Assisted Living Center at the age of 102. Johnnie was born in Red River County, Texas on August 31, 1915. Johnnie graduated from high school in Detroit, Texas and then briefly attended college in Denton, Texas before she went to work. Johnnie wanted to attend business school in Tyler, Texas so she saved money until she could move to Tyler and attend school. In 1940 she enrolled in Tyler Commercial College. After finishing school she went to work for a furniture store and then worked for Citizen's Bank in Tyler, Texas. In 1942 she met her husband, Herbert Cates, in Tyler, Texas after the Army transferred him from San Antonio to Tyler. They married in 1942 and had two children. Johnnie and Herbert were married for 49 years. They made their home in Sanderson, Texas, and were both members of the First Baptist Church in Sanderson. Johnnie was a member of this church for over 70 years. Herbert preceded Johnnie in death in 1991. Johnnie was also preceded in death by her seven siblings and her parents. Johnnie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Bill Hicks of Hobbs, New Mexico, and her son and daughter-in-law John and Linda Cates of Weimar, Texas, five grandchildren David Hicks and Donna, Bill Hicks and Gaye Lynn, Jana Taylor and Vince, Michelle Karr and Angel, Dana Cheney and Jeff, and 12 great grandchildren including Kyle McCormick, Kaitlin Hicks and fiancé Lane Moore, Isabelle Karr, Emma Hicks, Garret Hicks, Mason Cheney, Zachary Cheney, Caleb Karr, Presley Hicks, Kaytlin Cheney, Collins Taylor and Landry Taylor. Johnnie was a faithful believer of Christ. When she was asked on her 102nd birthday what she wanted her response was "The Lord has already blessed me with everything I've ever needed." Johnnie exemplified a life well-lived. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Desert Gardens and Kindred Hospice, Johnnie's faithful visitors and her many friends from Desert Gardens and Hobbs as well as Beth Hammer and Donna Hicks who were ever present visitors during Johnnie's eight years at Desert Gardens.

Service

Graveside Service

Cedar Grove Cemetery
401 South Legion
Sanderson, TX  79848
Saturday, May 12, 2018
2:00 pm CST

Cemetery

Cedar Grove Cemetery
401 South Legion
Sanderson, TX  79848

Memorial Contributions

First Baptist Church
403 1st St.
Sanderson, TX  79848