Bettye Jean Cates

Bettye Cates, "Mawga", "Mrs. Make-do", "Bet", took flight on Angels Wings from her temporary home in Tennessee on June 25, 2015. Bettye Jean Cates, 86 years young, was born to Arthur and Maudie Seagle on October 1, 1928, in the Smoky Mountains at the right-hand fork of the Little Pigeon River. On May 30, 1948 she married Rev. Clarence E. Cates and they were founders of Christian Fellowship Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Together they pastored for 62 years, built 5 churches and renovated 6 others. Through their mission program they helped to build churches and Bible schools in several countries around the world and both traveled extensively and visited more than 70 nations. In the 70's, she became employed at W.E. Browns Interior Design Company in Atlanta, GA and was the lead designer on the decorating team that redecorated The White House for the wedding of Patricia Nixon. She also was on the team that decorated The Governors Mansions in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In addition, she also designed and tailored dresses and suits for 50+ choir members. After losing her daughter, Patricia Diane Moore, Bettye founded The Shepherd's Staff, a ministry of volunteer caregivers seeing to the needs of the elderly and handicapped. Many lives have been touched through her hands and heart. She was a true matriarch and one-of-a-kind First Lady. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Clarence E. Cates; daughters, Patricia Diane Moore, Silva Anne Cates; parents, Arthur and Maude Seagle. She is survived by sons, Michael (Lynn) E. Cates and Samuel (Melissa) G. Cates; daughter, Constance (David) A. Herring; beloved grandchildren, Eric and Tonya Dantin, Erika Herring, Samantha Cates, Jaicee Cates, Joshua and Stacy Herring, Bronson and Stacy Gilbert; twelve great -grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Sunday, June 28th at 3:00pm at Fairview Memorial Gardens with Rev. David Herring and Pastor Marvin Williams officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, June 28th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Bettye Jean Cates

October 1, 1928 - June 25, 2015