Karen Stokes Cate

Karen Stokes Cate, a beloved member of her community, passed away on April 6, 2025, at Granite Mesa Health Center in Marble Falls. Born on June 22, 1944, in Coleman, Texas, Karen’s life was marked by her dedication to both her family and her career. She graduated from Talpa High School, where she was celebrated as a member of the All-District Basketball team during her freshman year. Her passion for learning continued as she attended Texas State University at San Marcos, ultimately graduating with honors from Texas A & M University with a degree in floriculture.

Throughout her career, Karen made significant contributions in various roles. She worked as a lab technician in College Station and owned and operated Grassbur Greenhouses in Bryan for ten years. Following this, she served as the assistant to the Vice-President of Kroger Grocery while living in Cincinnati, Ohio, for another decade. After returning to Texas, she concluded her professional journey as an Administrative Assistant for City and Rural Rides in Coleman. Throughout her endeavors, one of her proudest accomplishments was raising her two sons, instilling in them a strong work ethic by teaching them the ropes of her greenhouse business.

In her personal life, Karen was committed to her family and her faith. She married James R. Cate, Jr. on September 11, 1964, in Talpa. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared experiences. Karen is survived by her husband, James R. Cate, Jr. of Talpa; her two sons, James Steven Cate and wife, Diane, of Meadowlakes, and Bradley Lane Cate and wife, Linda, also of Meadowlakes; as well as three cherished grandchildren, Michael Reza, Tony Reza-Montes and wife, Amanda, and James Cate. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Judye Oden of San Angelo and Charlotte Jackson of Wingate, along with one niece, Susan Muela and three nephews, Greg Stokes, Brian Stokes and Kevin Stokes.

Karen was a devoted member of Glen Cove Baptist Church, where she nurtured her faith and established lasting friendships. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, and baking, a pursuit through which she delighted others with her famous buttermilk pound cake, monkey bread, and cherry pies. A fiercely competitive spirit, she enjoyed playing games, particularly cards and bridge, and found joy in playing the piano and caring for her beloved Labrador retrievers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Wesley Stokes and Maggie Ruth Brevard Stokes, and her brother, Wesley Stokes.

The community is invited to honor Karen’s life during visitation, which will be held at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman on April 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  A funeral service will take place at Glen Cove Baptist Church, 107 CR 449, Coleman on April 13, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.  Burial will follow at Talpa Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home.

Karen Stokes Cate will be remembered not only for her accomplishments and skills but also for the love and dedication she shared with her family and community. Her spirit and the memories she created will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The family request with gratitude that memorial contributions in memory of Karen can be made to Glen Cove Baptist Church, 107 CR 449, Coleman, Texas 76834, Taylor Jones Humane Society, 2301 North 3rd Street, Abilene, Texas 79603 or Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, P. O. Box 216, Miles, Texas 76801.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Cate family by signing the guestbook on Karen’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cate family.