Lela “Jone” Cates, age 80 of New Boston, TX passed away at her home surrounded by her family on January 9, 2025.
She was born July 21, 1944, at “The Red House” in Dekalb, TX to John Ezra & Ola Fern (Graham) Wharton of Dekalb, TX. She worked at Red River Army Depot until she became a homemaker, caring for her Grand and Great Grandchildren.
She was an active member of her Church, Enon Primitive Baptist of New Boston, TX. She enjoyed working in her flower bed, feeding her birds (not the squirrels), and playing with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others she considered her own. She is known around town as “The Candy Lady” as she enjoys giving out candy to anyone.
Preceding her in death are her parents, daughter Paula Braley, her grandson Alex Barto Barfield, and her great-grandson Ryder Wyatt Hamilton. Her brothers Andrew, Loy, Jarvis, and Tommy Wharton. Her sisters Virginia Smith, Laverne Kempe, Lenora Boughton, & Shirley Son. Her mother/father-in-law Elvis and Frances (Cochran) Cates, and sisters-in-law Peggy Clift and Mary Wheeler.
She is survived by her Husband of 48 years, Buddy Cates of New Boston, TX. Her daughter Teesa Stockmann (Joe) of Maud, TX, son James “Jimmy” Cates (DeAnn) of Nacogdoches, TX, son Wynn Braley of Simms, TX, daughter Kandis Redman (Shannan) of New Boston, TX. Her grandchildren, Conred Oglesby (Samantha) of Texarkana, AR., Tiffany Brown (Keith) of Redwater, TX., Colby Stockmann of Texarkana, AR, Sydney Lee Braley, Bryar Redman, Claire Braley, and Brooklynn Redman, all of New Boston, TX. Her great-grandchildren Riley Hamilton, Corbin Oglesby, Emily Stockmann, Kirby & Mally Oglesby, Lawson Brown, and Kolden Morgan. Her brothers Jimmy Wharton (Cindy), and James Wharton (Becky). Her sisters-in-law Betty, Kay & Nina Wharton. Her brothers/ sisters-in-law Butch Cates (Loretta), Patricia Hinds, Janice Waggner (Frankie), and Ray Cates (Donna). Along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside Service will take place at Old Salem Cemetery on FM 1840 @ 11 am on Monday, January 20, 2025. The family and friends of Jone Cates will be at Enon Primitive Baptist Church following the graveside service for lunch. All are welcome to come by and celebrate the life of our dear “Mam” In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the DAV Chapter 222, 1610 West 18th Street, Texarkana, Texas 75501 OR Enon Primitive Baptist Church, 1125 West Hwy 82, New Boston, Texas 75570 Online memorials may be made at www.batesrolffuneralhome. com
