Nellie Stewart Cates

December 10, 1937 - October 26, 2009

Mrs. Nellie Stewart Brewer Cates, 71, a resident of Poplar Creek Road in the Williamsport community, died Monday, October 26, 2009, at her home. Funeral Services for Mrs. Cates will be conducted on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Bobby Cates officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 4:00 " 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Williamsport Baptist Cemetery. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A native of Maury County, she was the daughter of the late Arch and Savannah Nolen Stewart. She was married to the late Vandon Ray Brewer and the late Billy Cates. A 1957 graduate of Columbia Central High School, Mrs. Cates attended 2 years of college, and began a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was a former LPN at Bel-Air Health Care, Columbia Care & Rehabilitation Center, and Maury Regional Medical Center before her employment and retirement at Life Care Center of Columbia. Mrs. Cates loved going to Florida, enjoyed fishing, loved flowers and gardening, collecting ceramic dogs, and enjoyed working puzzles. Her greatest enjoyment was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of Williamsport Baptist Church. Mrs. Cates is survived by her daughter, Pam (Evan) Watkins of Columbia; her son, Douglas Van Brewer of Williamsport; a sister, Ruthie Powell of Williamsport; a brother, Sam (Patricia) Stewart of Columbia; three grandsons, Jeremie Watkins, Timothy (Alexia Adams) Watkins, and Michael (Kayla Stewart) Watkins, all of Columbia; three great grandsons, Blake Adams, Trenton Watkins, and Sciler Watkins; a sister-in-law, Patricia Stewart of Columbia; a special niece and caregiver, Carolyn Busby; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Fannie Mae Patterson and Louise Stewart; four brothers, James Stewart, Herbert Stewart, Pallbearers will be Jeremie Watkins, Timothy Watkins, Michael Watkins, James Busby, William Powell, Richard Ward, and Jerry Cleary. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Russell Bersheid, Dr. C. Houston Jameson, III, George and Dot Holt, and Don Thornburg. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 2000 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heritage-fhcs.com.