Dessie Irene Cates (October 17, 1928 - February 9, 2009)

Dessie Irene Cates, 80, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Monday, February 9, 2009, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Mrs. Cates, daughter of the late John Stephenson and Birdie Ethel (Carner) Palmer, was born October 17, 1928, in Middlebrook, Arkansas. She was an active and devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Doniphan, Missouri. A proud member of the Red Hatters and the Gospel Volunteers, she loved to sing the praises of the Lord and to share the joy with the residents of nursing homes.

On February 10, 1945, she was married to William Ivan Cates in Pocahontas, Arkansas. He survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Linda Faye Brooks and son-in-law, Dexter Brooks, of Montgomery, Alabama, and one son, Darrell Ivan Cates and daughter-in-law, Judy L. Cates, of Belleville, Illinois; five grandchildren, Dale (and Heather) Miller of Belleville, Illinois, Mark Miller, David Cates, Lauren Cates and Robert Cates, all of Belleville, Illinois; one step-granddaughter, Stacie Borney of Electric, Alabama; one step-grandson, Ryan Scott, of Dothan, Alabama; five great-grandchildren, Nick Miller, Jacob Miller, Christine Miller, Alexander Miller, and Christopher Miller, all of Belleville, Illinois; one step-great-granddaughter, Brianna Brumitt of Electric, Alabama; and one sister, Georgia Naomi Wright of Jerseyville, Illinois.

Visitation for Mrs. Cates will be Thursday evening, February 12, 2009, from 5-8 p.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. The funeral service will be Friday morning, February 13, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. There will be an additional visitation on Saturday, February 14, 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois. Burial services will commence at the Lakeview Memorial Chapel at 1:00 p.m.

Dessie Cates will be missed by all who loved her. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to the First Baptist Church, 308 Walnut Street, Doniphan, Missouri 63935.