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.
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14 Condolence(s)
Bill Kennedy
Saturday, August 10, 2024
There was never a time when visiting with Jean that she didn’t add more information and insight to the subject matter. Plus, she did it with great ease and pleasure-even when she was probably smiling to herself about my lack of in-depth knowledge about whatever we were talking about!
She is a true gift in the memory of everyone who ever knew her.
Kathleen Winters
Saturday, August 10, 2024
I adored Miss Jean! She was a beautiful, funny, and precious lady. It's hard to express how much she meant to me or what a wonderful person she was. She always encouraged me, prayed for me, and gave the best hugs. Her smile always made me feel loved. I will treasure all of my memories of her and will think of her every time I eat a piece of Dove chocolate. She will be greatly missed, and I can't wait to see her again one day.
Matthew Counts
Saturday, August 10, 2024
For me, Mrs. Jean was much more than a friend. She represented something that I never had but always desired. I never had an actual grandmother related by blood who treated me with such love. One that I could laugh with, talk with, or spoil me on such a level. I felt so much love from her, even though I could have been considered just her daughter's client, and later an employee at my first job. I was simply shopping for her, yet she showed me love and support as if I were her own grandchild. Those shopping trips were more than just a way to make money, they were a visit to my grandmother. I will miss her dearly. When I recall those memories of Mrs. Jean, there is always an underlying tone of “genuine kindness.” That is something that not even diamonds can compare to. A genuinely kind and caring person is not something of this Earth, but more accurately a beauty that has fallen from space. She was as rare and as magnificent as dust fallen from a star. Sometimes words cannot do justice to our emotions, but what matters is the feelings that hide beneath them. I write these words about her with a love that far exceeds any obligation. She truly was family to me. May she have the time of her life in the heavens above, until the day we reunite with her again.
Barbara L Heller
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Michael and I will always be grateful to you, Reagan and Jean, for the blessings we received in having you as a part of or church family. You both showed us what it really meant to "walk" with Jesus. God's blessings and comfort to you and the family. We will always have fond memories of the times we shared in fellowship.
Cole Seaberg
Friday, August 9, 2024
Miss Jean took me in as an adopted grandson when my grandmother passed away. She was one of the godliest people I knew. She loved talking about the Bible and our devotionals. One of my fondest memories is playing the American Bible Challenge with her. Of course, she won! I will miss her dearly and can’t wait to see her again one day. Mr. Reagan, Miss Rachel, Mr. Chuck and Aunt Regina, I’m sorry for your loss.
Emily James Brown
Thursday, August 8, 2024
One of my favorite things about Mrs. Jean was her beautiful voice and her gracious way of speaking. I will always be able to hear her voice in my head, and that will forever be a cherished memory. Her deep faith was one of the most apparent things about her, and she inspires me to this day to increase my Bible knowledge and take my study of God's word seriously. What an incredible legacy of faith she's left to those that loved her. She has written me lovely and encouraging notes, and I know I am not the only one to receive them. Mrs. Jean was so thoughtful that way. Her letter that was given to me upon getting married was filled with sage wisdom only a woman of her caliber could share. This letter will now be treasured even more than before. I am thankful that Mrs. Jean is no longer suffering from physical ailments and that she is now completely whole and in the presence of Christ. It is a glorious time for her, but her absence has left a wound that won't be healed until we see her again.
Holly Jenkins
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Lifting you all in prayer. Mrs. Jean was one of the most precious people I have ever met. Her kindness, and genuine love for others was such a special gift. She always was an encourager and had a way of making me feel like I was loved and important to her. I will cherish my "All Creatures Great and Small" magazine subscription she sent me, and every time I read a story about God's goodness and animals, I will think of her. Rachel and Regina, you were blessed to have a mother that loved you both so well. She will be greatly missed, and I look forward to seeing her again one day. Much love, Holly
Esta Akers
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
My favorite memory of Jean was when she spoke from the pulpit at Summit Methodist about her spiritual journey. I realized that I really needed to work on mine, which I have. I also remember fondly her smile as Reagan and I wished “the Peace of the Lord” to each other every Sunday, a grand Episcopalian pledge…
Charles and Ginger Ettinger
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
What a wonderful lady, will miss her very much. So sorry for your loss Reagan.
Gary K Boatright
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Jean was a true blessing to me and my wife Peggy. Her memory will be cherished..
Alice and Lee Clegg
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Dear Reagan and family, we are so grateful to have had you and's Jean as our dearest friends. So many good times we had with each other.
You do have our deepest sympathy. Not enough words to say how sorry we are about Jeans passing away. She was a wonderful person and will be missed so much. I know she is up there with the Angles. God Bless you all.
Love Lee and Alice
Diann Kennedy
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Times with Jean and Reagan in their very neat and loving home always included great food and greater words of wisdom. We never discussed any subject that the two of them couldn’t contribute deeper insights or direction. Life in every way was precious-even when one or the other had a few aches or pains. Bill and I were always on our best behavior and would NEVER put our elbows on the table during the meal!!
Jean was a true living inspiration for appreciating life and Reagan will carry that quality for as long as he is blessed to continue life with those of us who surround him!
Beth Kezerle
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
I loved Mrs. Jean. She always had a smile and was so kind. One memory that I think about a lot was when we went to Four Corners and helped with a bible school on the Indian reservation. We had so much fun. All the children loved Mrs. Jean. She was truly a blessing to work with. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Marty Ehlert
Monday, August 5, 2024
I first met Jean about fifty years ago as the Mother of my dear friend Regina. I can still hear Jean's inspiring laughter. Her ability to challenge others and to offer diverse ideas was an incredible talent. I admired her strength and her devotion to her family and many friends. I wish for her family the blessings of wonderful lifetime memories. May God grant her a peaceful rest.