Mrs. Patsy Armstrong Cates

Funeral services for Patsy Ruth Armstrong Cates, 94, of Henderson, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church with the Revs. Bruce Rudd and Jimmy Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Hill Cemetery under the direction of Crawford - A. Crim Funeral Home, Henderson. After a brief illness, Patsy went to be with the Lord on August 16, 2022. She had been residing in Plano, Texas near her daughter, Lafon. Patsy was born February 13, 1928, in Henderson to the late Hubbard and Gladys Rushton Armstrong, and attended Henderson High School. She went to beauty school in Tyler and worked as a hairdresser until she met Rand Cates, her future husband. They were married on January 15, 1955 and raised three children together. They were married for 53 years until Rand's death in 2008. She was a devoted homemaker with many activities, friends, and loved her children, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren. She was known for her sewing skills and made many costumes for school events. She took great pride in her home and throughout the year you might see her in cowboy boots mowing and tending to the landscape, resulting in one of the most beautiful and well-kept homes near downtown Henderson. She had a special relationship with her granddaughter, Brittney, for whom she was always a source of joy and strength. She shared her love of animals with Brittney which included her special dog, Toby. Patsy will be missed for her quick wit and always giving her opinion. She was a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Rand Thomas Cates, and her sister, Billie Armstrong Propes. Survivors include her son, Michael Rand (Randy) Cates, and wife Judy of Henderson; daughters, Lafon Watkins and husband David of Allen; and Della Cates of Henderson; one granddaughter, Brittney Bailey of Allen; and two great-grandchildren, Alec and Aleigha Bailey of Allen; a special niece, Donna Propes Reynolds, and her husband Donald; a brother, Gerald Don Armstrong and wife Sissy; three step grandchildren Jerry Johnson and wife Amy of Athens; Brad Johnson of Houston; Tressa Rudd and husband Bruce of Lindale; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Carl Bailey, Alec Bailey, Odis Chapman, David Mansinger, Donald Reynolds, and Tracy Reynolds. Honorary pallbearers will be JR Dulin, Ed (Booger) Davidson, Mark Newton, and Todd Smith. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mrs. Patsy Armstrong Cates

February 13, 1928 - August 16, 2022