of Little Rock, AR

November 23, 1924 - August 1, 2024

Jean Cates passed away peacefully on August 1st after a 1-month battle with cancer and 99 years full of vibrant life. She was a family member and friend known for her deep faith; her love of people and animals; her breadth of knowledge and appreciation of classical music and her ability to celebrate the individual differences in everyone she knew.

Jean was first the daughter of William Leo Hanna and Lena Katherine Treybig and sister to Peter, Vivian, Barney and Lois. She grew up in Baytown, Texas, where she was loved well by an incredibly hard-working father and loving mom, who handed off many recipes that Jean shared with generations of family and friends. As a brilliant lover of learning, Jean graduated from high school at 15 and went off to the University of Texas with her sister ''Tootsie''. She graduated at 19 and became a teacher back in her hometown. She seriously considered pursuing a law degree, but instead married a hometown friend, Reagan Cates, in 1948. This couple just recently celebrated 76 years of marriage, which is an amazing beacon of commitment in today's world.

In 1956, Jean and Reagan adopted their first daughter, Regina and then Rachel in 1958. The hour she received the call that a baby was waiting for her in Plainview, Texas, Jean resigned from her teaching job and became a full-time homemaker and mom. For decades she modeled her great devotion to her family, including her children and their spouses, Chuck and Barbara; her grandchildren, Justin and Hanna and their spouses, Adair and Josh and 6 great-grandsons, David, Reagan Gray, Caleb, Charlie, Silas and Samuel. In addition to her legacy of family that love and respect her deeply, ''Miss Jean'' had so many ''surrogate children and grandchildren'' whom she loved as well. Whether orphans in India; friends with developmental differences; or single moms who needed encouragement, Miss Jean loved giving to others. She continued to be a model of generosity until the day she left this earth.

During her years of parenting, Jean thoroughly enjoyed participating as the President of the Symphony Society in Victoria, Texas and helped bring stellar performers to their small town. Her love for excellence in all forms of music left a mark on many, as she shared opera, the symphony, a vast array of worship music and old classics. So many great memories were made as Miss Jean took special friends to the Symphony or attended their piano recitals. Jean had strong political views and served as the President of the League of Women Voters during their 55 years in Victoria, Texas. She continued to be thoroughly informed regarding political topics and world affairs. Her deep faith and devotion to the Word contributed to her being named as ''A Woman of Excellence'' for the entire city of Marshall one year.

While Jean loved her years as a Texan, she also thoroughly loved to travel with family and friends. Her 50th wedding anniversary in Alaska with her children and grandchildren, or her many trips to the Holy Land with her sister, were a joy. She treasured climbing the pyramids of Egypt and soaking up the Biblical lectures that shared the life of Christ. Jean placed her faith in Christ as a 13-year-old in Baytown, Texas and actively studied the Word and followed her Savior throughout her life. Just before moving to Little Rock 8 years ago, Jean and Reagan were actively involved in Summit United Methodist Church, where they found an amazingly supportive community of believers who became treasured friends. She and Reagan continued to find much joy in those relationships until the day she passed away. After moving to Little Rock to be closer to family, Jean attended Fellowship Bible Church with Rachel and Chuck and during the last few years, has enjoyed watching Pulaski Heights Methodist online from home. She treasured knowing her grandchildren were also following Christ, with wonderful spouses and she prayed fervently for her great-grands. All who knew Jean, knew that she began her days with the Word, reading through the Bible more times than we can count.

Jean was known well for the content of her character and challenged us all with the strength that she showed throughout her life. Whether serving in the Red Cross during WWII; volunteering for countless community positions; caring for her parents in their final days; caring for her children through challenging illnesses; supporting her sister during the loss of a child; bouncing back from multiple joint replacements like an Olympic athlete or putting out house fires for a neighbor, Jean modeled grit and resiliency that is a rare commodity now. We cherish the character that she modeled for us all.

As a 99-year-old, she could beat us all at word games or Bible trivia. As a wife, she modeled lifetime commitment. As a mom, she showed sacrificial devotion, with candid opinions. As a mother-in-law, she adopted into the family. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she demonstrated Nana's enthusiastic celebration and care. Her pound cake and teacakes were treasured. As a friend, she embodied lovingkindness. As an animal lover, she created a backyard feast of seed and suet.

We can never express with sufficient words the blessing of Jean Cates on this world. She is indeed a Proverbs 31 woman, ''a wife of noble character….worth far more than rubies.''. She is the ''best friend'' of family members and so many others. She will be missed dearly by all she knew and we treasure the legacy she has left behind.

Jean is survived by her husband, Reagan; her daughters, Regina Cates (Barbara) and Rachel Morse (Chuck); her grandchildren, Justin Morse (Adair) and Hanna Grenon (Josh) and her great-grandsons, David, Reagan Gray, Caleb, Charlie, Silas and Samuel.

For those who choose to celebrate her life with flowers, they may be sent to Roller Drummond Funeral Home at 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209. As many know, Jean loved to give to charitable causes. Should you wish to make a donation in her honor, we are asking that contributions be made to Covenant House Texas, which serves homeless, trafficked or at-risk youth, or The International Council on Development and Learning (icdl.com) which is an organization that helps children with developmental, mental health, communication and learning challenges reach their fullest potential through relationships.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com