Juanita Porter Cates' Obituary
Juanita Porter Cates
Juanita Porter Cates, of Longview, died Friday, July 10, 2009, at a local hospital with her devoted daughter by her side. She entered the hospital on July 1st for a routine procedure. Complications immediately ensued and she suddenly found herself in a fierce, and ultimately fatal, battle with pneumonia.
Born in Gilmer, Texas on September 14, 1931, to Homer and Bessie Porter, she grew up in Pittsburg, Texas. She graduated from Pittsburg High School where she was a popular student and band member. She then attended East Texas State University, majoring in vocal performance. Juanita was an excellent singer and loved to dance the Jitterbug.
In 1952, she married Charles Cates of Gilmer and in 1956, gave birth to her only daughter, Pamela. They made their home in Longview. She had a career as a dental assistant, but her main focus was the care of her family. Beginning in 1976, she bravely endured many difficult and chronic illnesses. Even after suffering three strokes in 2008, she still kept her sparkling personality and loved to engage in stimulating conversation, particularly on the taboo subjects of politics and religion. She was unforgettable to anyone who met her. One of her most endearing qualities was her great love and compassion for animals, especially cats. No stray animal ever went hungry if it came to her house.
Juanita is survived by her husband, Charles, and daughter, Pamela; by her brother, Homer Porter, Jr. of Pittsburg, Texas; and sister, Lynda Sanders of Marietta, Georgia; and by her beloved cats, Prissy, Amy and Mandy.
A service celebrating Juanita's life will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 2:00 in the afternoon at Rosewood Park Mausoleum, 1944 FM 1844, just west of Judson Rd. Please call 903-753-3373 for directions. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741 www.bestfriends.org or American Humane Association, 63 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO 80112 www.americanhumane.org – and always remember to feed the birds!
What’s your fondest memory of Juanita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Juanita?
Share a story where Juanita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Juanita you’ll never forget.
How did Juanita make you smile?