Rachel Evalee Cates, 89, of Sequatchie, Tennessee, was called home on Tuesday, February 25. Rachel was born to the late Gilbert Dove and Mary Jo Roberts on April 25, 1935, in Comfort, Tennessee. She was a homemaker and was married to James Merrill Cates until his death. Rachel loved to laugh and have fun. She loved flowers, animals and being outside. She enjoyed cooking and gardening. Most of all, Rachel loved her family.
Rachel is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Minnie King; granddaughter, Heather Sands; nephews, Bruce King and Kenneth King.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughters, Vicky (Darwin Henderson) McNabb, Martha Hale, Maggie (Herman) Avans; grandchildren, Jeconiah McNabb, Riley Avans; great grandchildren, Garrett McNabb, Ryan McNabb; nieces and nephews, Alvin King, Birdie King, Mary King, and many families and friends from the Battle Creek community.
Visitation is on Wednesday, February 26, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, February 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper.
There will be a graveside service on Thursday, February 27, at 1 p.m. at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in Jasper with Chaplain Angie Brown and Pastor Pam Owensby officiating.
Pallbearers are Alvin King, Derrick Kilgore, Tristan Witt, Kenneth King, Garrett McNabb, John Hicks and Benton Martin.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee (423) 942-9500. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tatefh.com.
The Marion Tribune – March 6, 2025
