Lillian Louise Cates Obituary
Lillian Louise Coulter Cates was born on April 14, 1930, in San Diego, California, to Ruth Viola Caruthers and Irvine Ray Coulter. She died on January 21, 2022 in Tyler, Texas.
Lillian and her mother moved to Dallas, Texas soon after her birth and she was raised by her mother and extended family, including grandparents and great-grandparents. She attended Dallas, Texas schools and graduated from Sunset High School in 1947. She married the love of her life- Norman B. Cates, on July 3, 1947. Together they raised three daughters in both Oak Cliff, Texas and Grand Prairie, Texas.
In the early 70's Lillian and Norman then moved to Eustace, Texas on Cedar Creek Lake where they lived their dream for 25 years in their custom built home with an added boat house. They enjoyed skiing every chance they had. They held wonderful family holiday parties and gatherings throughout those 25 years. She shared many beautiful memories and adventures with family and friends. Lillian and Norman then moved to a garden home in Waxahachie, Texas, in 1999, where they lived for another 20 plus years. Lillian and Norman both spent those 20 plus years helping others and remained devoted to family, serving their church, and community.
Lillian Louise Coulter Cates is preceded in death by her Mother- Ruth Shraer, her Aunt Vivian Wilson, her Aunt Eunice Shropshire, her Uncle Edward Vamvakas, her Uncle Pete Vamvakas (who was raised as her brother), her Daughter- Rebecca Lorraine Cates, and her Great-Grandson- Dustin Beck.
She is survived by her Husband of 74 years, Norman, her daughters Cynthia Dingler (George), and Marilyn Cerna (Javier), her Grandchildren Joy Beckham Smith, Selanya Beckham (Jerry), Jennifer Dickson (Davis), Shannon Brown (William), Melissa Beck (James), Elizabeth Monica Veaux (George), Nadia Bowman (Christopher), and Joshua Chandler (Ericka), her great-grandchildren Ashley Zajac (William), Matthew Smith, Tyler Sunde (Era), Brittany Miller (Brandon), Justine Featherston (Justin), Sean Sunde (Jocelyne), Haley Smith (John), Brannon Henrie, Nicholas Yaws, Darien Henrie, Blazer Beck, Joseph Smith, Maxine Beck, Jadon Henrie, Jeremiah Bowman, Liliana Bowman, and Chelsea Chandler, and at least 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Lillian was a sweet and loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great-Grandmother. She was a devoted Christian woman whom loved all of her family and friends. Lillian was very active at Bethel Temple Assembly of God. She taught Sunday School, loved the Lord, and lived to serve others.
Among her many passions she actively volunteered as counselor at Straight Arrow Camp for many years and later sang with the Silver Serenader's of Texas, and she loved to read and garden.
Although Lillian will be dearly missed her loved ones take great comfort knowing she rests now in the arms of Jesus and in the kingdom of heaven with God.
Visitation will be Saturday January 29, 2022 from 10:00am - 11:00am with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00am; at Jeter & Son Funeral Home, Cedar Hill Chapel; 332 Cedar St., Cedar Hill, TX 75104.
