Obituary of Frances Sinclair Cates

-Raleigh- Frances Sinclair Cates, 85 passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday June 25, 2014 at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC. She was born on August 19, 1928 in Chapel Hill, NC to John Frank and Annie Gattis Sinclair. Frances grew up in West End, NC. She graduated from West End High School in 1946. After high school she attended the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Physical Education. Frances married Jack L. Cates in 1954 in Chapel Hill, NC. They were happily married for 34 years before his untimely death. Frances was a member of University United Methodist Church and the Colony Woods Garden Club. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Frances was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Frances is survived by sons John (wife Jennifer) Cates and David (wife Carla) Cates all of Raleigh, NC; sister Louise S. Bost of Durham, NC; grandchildren Tyler (wife Liz), Megan, Jackson, Chandler, Spencer and Russell; and her nieces and nephews and other relatives. The family will receive visitors at University United Methodist Church, 150 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill on Saturday July 5 at 10:00 a.m. in the west parlor. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 in the sanctuary presided by the Rev. Billy Olsen. The church will hold a reception following the service in the fellowship hall. Later that day the family will gather for a private interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Carolina Botanical Garden or University United Methodist Church. Walker's Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.