Betty Lou Cates, age 73, a resident of Columbia, passed away Wednesday morning, July 28, 2021, at Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
The family will celebrate her life with services at a later date. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
A native of Maury County, Betty was born on March 30, 1948, and was the daughter of the late Harlen Clifford Emler and the late Mary Frances Martin Emler. She was a graduate of Hampshire School and attended Agape Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son, Elbert (Penny) Cates of Columbia, stepchildren, Alex (Angela) Cates of Columbia, Glenn (Tammy) Cates of Hampshire, Edward (Judy) Cates of Lewisburg, Jimmy Cates of Alabama, George Cates of Columbia, Amy Dunnivant of Summertown, grandchildren, Elbert Cates, Jr., Jacob Alexander Cates, Cheryl Cates, niece, Tracy Dugger, nineteen step grandchildren, several step great grandchildren, and several step great great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Alexander Cates, sister, Nellie Mae Emler, and stepson, Lonnie Cates.
