Mabel Sue Cates, 84, of Shelbyville, died May 19, 2026, after an extended illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 23rd, at Hillcrest Funeral Home with Joshua Houston officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Visitation will begin at 12:00 P.M.
She was a native of Bedford County, a member of Fairlane Church of Christ and the Shelbyville Women's Club.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Brooks Faulkner Sr. and Ruth Alton Williams Faulkner, her husband of 63 years James Lynn Cates and a sister, Mary Catherine Talley.
She is survived by her children, Cathy Demonbreum (Tim) of Unionville, Donna Parsons of Athens, Ala., Brenda Dunning (Bruce) of Nashville, sister, Frances Hayes and brother, Leonard Brooks Faulkner Jr. (Vickie) of Shelbyville, grandchildren, Matthew (Kathryn) Parsons, Joshua Parsons (Brooke), Caleb Parsons (Jessica), Sarah Margaret Sain (Clint), Kelby Demonbreum (Janie), Blair Lovvorn (Daniel), Jamie Frame (Jadon) and fifteen great grandchildren.
Sue had a special gift for making people feel cared for and welcomed. She was known to the many children she kept as "Mrs. Sue."
She deeply loved her three daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will forever cherish her love. She was lovingly known as "Mema." She also held many dear friendships throughout her life and treasured the special friends and neighbors who brought her joy, laughter and companionships. She looked forward each month having lunch with her classmates and her siblings. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Hillcrest Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
