, age 74, of Murfreesboro, passed away September 9, 2012 at Community Care of Rutherford County. She was a native of Grundy, Virginia but resided in Murfreesboro, TN. Betty was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Smyrna and a homemaker.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Malone and Beulah Smith Malone; husband, Charles O. Cates, Sr. and brothers, Jesse Malone and Kenny Malone.

She is survived by her sons, Gary (Ava) Cates of Murfreesboro, James (Lorinda) Cates of Shelbyville, and Charles O. (Stephanie) Cates, Jr. of Chapel Hill; daughters, Kim (Larry) Frye and Sue (Wendell) Lehew both of Murfreesboro; brothers, Donald Malone, Max Malone and J.C. Malone; sister, Dean Newman; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Chapel service was held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at Jennings and Ayers Chapel with Dr. Todd Kirkland officiating. Burial will followed at Roselawn Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as active pallbearers.

Jennings & Ayers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Please leave condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com.

Betty Jean Cates