Listen to Obituary

Betsy Glenn Cates of Jonesborough, age 90, passed away June 9 at Johnson City Medical Center. Mrs. Cates, originally from Winston-Salem, NC, was the youngest of 7 and the last surviving child of John A. and Bess B. Glenn. Mrs. Cates was married 48 years to Robert V. Cates, Jr. and had two children, Elizabeth Cates, a psychologist at the James H. Quillen VAMC and Glenn Cates, deceased. Mr. Cates was a chemical engineer and the family lived in South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and California, retiring to Alabama in 1991. Mrs. Cates moved to Jonesborough in 2006 with her daughter and son to be near family.

Mrs. Cates was a housewife and mother, and enjoyed playing golf, bowling, watching her “stories” on TV, and playing bridge. She particularly enjoyed solitaire and would play game after game. She loved to go for walks and did every day until she was no longer able. She loved to travel and always wanted to “go”, no matter where or when. She delighted in playing with her great-granddaughter Marin. She smiled and laughed often and with joy.

Mrs. Cates is survived by her daughter Elizabeth C. Cates, Ph.D., her granddaughter Robin S. Simpkins, DVM, and her great-granddaughter Marin E. Simpkins.

A memorial service will be at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 5:00 PM.