Mildred L Cates

Mildred C. Cates, age 85 of Bessemer, passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2024. She was an extremely devoted and loving wife of 69 years. No man could ever have a more devout help meet. She would cook, clean, take care of the children, and still find time to assist with other needs outside the home. She could drive a dump truck, operate a backhoe, and help with special events at her local church. She loved baking, crafts, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was extremely generous with her time to help others and never wanted any recognition for her tireless efforts to see any project to its completion. She was a very humble person and faithful servant to God. She was affectionately known to most everyone as “MeMe.” She will be missed extremely and her absence leaves a hole in our hearts that a mountain could not fill. MeMe was a unique individual; she was one in a billion, and she was truly a precious angel.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Dan Carroll and Callie Mae Vining Carroll, her sisters, Lilly Gill, Ruby Lindsey, Bertie C. Dickinson, and her brother, G.W. Carroll. She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Jim Cates, her daughter Barbara Blackwell (Bruce) and her son Danny Cates (Shelia). She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren: Kayla Cates Knight (Bradley), Jesse Blackwell, Michelle Blackwell Marcuson (Paul), Kristine Cates Lamar (Josh), 3 great-grandchildren (Elijah Knight, Everly Knight, Jude Lamar), and another due in July, as well as brother in law Luke Cates (Bonnie) and numerous nephews and nieces. Graveside services will be Thursday, January 11th at 1:00pm at Bessemer Hopewell Road Church of God of Prophecy. Patterson-Forrest Grove Funeral Home handling arrangements and Rev. William T. Pritchett officiating.