On October 28, 1943, Mary Cates was born to proud parents Marie Wilson and Willie in Lancaster, South Carolina Mary married the love of her life, Pender C. Cates Sr. in 1977 for over 26 years. The two resided in Winston-Salem, North Carolina until his untimely death in 2003. Mary continued to be a pillar of the community until she gained her wings, March 1, 2022.

She was a graduate of Paisley High School and attended Technical College where she became a LPN. As many know, Mary wore many hats serving her community and various roles as she perfected her craft to be become a better citizen everyday of her existence.

Mary was preceded in death by Pender Cates (spouse) Marie Wilson (Mother), Willie Delaney (Father) Ervin Lewis Jr. (Pete), Shirley Conner (sister), James Whitley (brother), and Patricia Garner (Sister-In-Law).

Mary ensured her attendance at the National Sunday School Convention annually as she thrived to share her love, wisdom, and leadership. She served as the superintendent and Sunday School Teacher at Second Calvary where she found Christ under the leadership of the late, Donald Stowe. Mary later redirected her service to Spirit and Truth Worship by way of Christ Temple for over 19 years. She had a love for her congregation and Pastor Travis Moses during her time at Spirit and Truth Worship Center.

She leaves 10 children to cherish her memories: Evette Lewis, Winston-Salem, NC; Nathaniel (Trumaine) Norwood, Winston-Salem, NC; Bobby Barcum, Winston-Salem, NC; Eric Lewis, Winston-Salem, NC; Elvedo Lew-is; Winston-Salem, NC; Porsche Cates, Winston-Salem, NC; Pender Cates Jr, Winston-Salem, NC; Earnest (Nayeter) Lewis, Winston-Salem, NC; Evonne Thomas, Winston-Salem, NC,; Ronald Baldwin, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Brothers and sister: Henry (Thomisina) Garner, Win-ston-Salem, NC; Tony Garner, Winston-Salem, NC; Gary Garner, Winston-Salem, NC; Howard (Jermecia) Garner, Rosharon, TX; Phelone (Janet) Garner, Winston-Salem, NC; Terry (Elouise) Garner, Winston-Salem, NC; Mike Garner, Atlanta, Georgia; Dennis Lucas, Winston-Salem, NC; Samuel Lucas, Winston-Salem, NC; Doris Cribbs, Winston-Salem, NC; Deloris ( John) Leecost, Winston-Salem, NC. Lastly, she leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 daughters in love, Latasha Potter and Tenisha Fields.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday March 9, 2022 at Spirit and Truth Worship Center, 685 Jones Road Winston-Salem NC 27107. The family will receive friends from 12pm-1pm Wednesday at the church. Interment will be held 10:00 am Friday March 11, 2022 at Parklawn Memorial Gardens. Her remains may be viewed Tuesday March 8, 2022 from 11:00am-6:00 pm at the funeral home