Sarah P. Cates

Sarah P. Cates, 76, of Atoka, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Born on April 13, 1945 to parents John Robert and Margaret Elizabeth Mosby Parr, Ms. Sarah was one of ten children. Known as “Mama Cates” or “Grandma” by just about everyone, Ms. Sarah had a servant’s heart, always generous in her care for others. She spent her life as a caregiver for all walks of life, working as a sitter for the elderly and an attendant at daycare centers. She touched many lives, and brightened many days. A ray of hope and love herself, she thought yellow roses were the prettiest because they reminded her of sunshine. Ms. Sarah was a Godly woman that shared her love and God’s love with everyone – people and animals. On beautiful days, “Mama Cates” could be found sitting outside on her porch swing, feeding the squirrels and birds, and listening to the neighborhood children playing. If she was outside when the ice cream truck drove by, she always had change to give to the kids so they could buy a treat. Although she was private in her own life, never asking others for help, she was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed her. She was as loyal and true as she was stubborn! Ms. Sarah had a special place in her heart and her home for her collectibles and trinkets from others. Over the years, she had amassed quite a variety of ducks, porcelain dolls, and Elvis Presley memorabilia, in addition to the homemade gifts that friends had made for her. She always said that a piece of everyone’s heart was in her home. Sarah P. Cates leaves behind her five children, Anita Cates-Reyes, Perry Cates, Tina Hubbard, Sarah Pugh, and Zach Cates; eight grandchildren, Nicholas Reyes, Ashley Lopez, Sabrina Newman, Brittany Hubbard, Rebecca Hubbard, Cody Cates, Katie Smith, and Alexis Reyes; five great-grandchildren; her four best friends, Dean Wyatt, Peggy Hamm, Wilma Woelfle and Geraldine Nall, and her church family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Funeral services for Ms. Cates will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the Covington Funeral Home chapel, with interment to follow in Helen Crigger cemetery in Munford, Tennessee. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.