Judy Cates

Judy Belle Stout Cates, age 80, was born July 20, 1942 in Jellico, Tennessee to Robert Lee Stout and Azalee Blankenship Stout. Her sister was Nancy Ann Stout Rhyne. She went to be with her heavenly Father on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023. Judy grew up in Powell, TN and graduated from Powell High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, her husband, Charles Merritt “Pete” Cates, Jr.

They were married for 62 years. She was the mother of David Gregory (Greg) Cates (Amy) of Knoxville, TN, Charles Merritt (Chuck) Cates, III of Bentonville, AR, Timothy Stout (Tim) Cates (Lothies) of Tampa, FL, and Suzanne Grace Cates Denton (Clark) of Knoxville, TN. She was grandmother “Granny” to her grandchildren Taylor, Dean (Betsy), Peter, Michael, Paige and Mathieu Cates and Emma, Olivia and Phoebe Denton, and great granddaughter Gwen. After marrying on September 1, 1960, Judy and Pete moved to middle Tennessee, Atlanta, Houston, Shreveport, LA, North Carolina and finally back to their beloved Smoky Mountains and home in Powell. They made many great friends and memories along the way, several of whom they remain close to today. She still met her “high school girls” monthly for lunch. Judy was a stay-at-home mother and homemaker, where she was a part of everything her children were involved in including sports, school, cheerleading, dance…whatever it was, she was always there. She was a wonderful cook and loved to throw a great dinner party! It didn’t matter if it was a card game of bridge with snacks, a pot of her famous gumbo, or something more elegant that called for her fine China, she loved entertaining and making others feel welcome. She was very active at her children’s elementary school, Forest Hill in Shreveport, and soon became the school secretary. Later, she would work at her home church, Powell United Methodist, for more than 17 years as the church administrator, a role she dearly loved. She was involved in all aspects of the church from finances to maintenance to caring for and loving the needy that came through the front door. It’s been said, “She was the glue that held the church together.” Judy and Pete loved watching her Tennessee Vols play any sport, but especially basketball and football. They loved spending hours on Norris Lake with family and friends throughout her entire life. Judy loved her Lord and Savior and put her hope and trust in Him, and she is now healed. In her words, she was very blessed to have had a beautiful life surrounded always by a loving family.

Preceding her were her parents, sister, Nancy and newborn brother. The family wants give thanks and appreciation to her many caregivers, but particularly to Dr. J. Davis Allan for his many years of care and concern. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Powell United Methodist Church Benevolence Fund. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 1-2:30 pm with a Celebration of Life following at 3 pm at Powell United Methodist Church in the traditional sanctuary. Rev. Will Shelton, Pastor Doug Roberts and Mr. Jamie Bauknight will lead the service Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Cates family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.gentrygriffey.com

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