Almirae Bonnie Bonnez Croft Cates

Almirae Bonnez “Bonnie” Croft Cates, a long-time resident of Birmingham, died Sunday, February 3, at home. Born in 1923, in Crofton, Kentucky, she and her husband moved to Nashville in 1950 and Birmingham in 1953. She was a founding member of Roebuck Christian Church, and most recently a member of Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church. Bonnie loved people and never met a stranger. Until her last illness, she maintained a card ministry that touched countless people. She was truly a good and faithful servant of her Savior. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ray Wilson Cates, and two daughters, Cathy Ivey (Bill) and Lisa Jesse (Sam). She has five grandchildren, David Ivey (Ashley), Mary Edgar (Dustin), Eric Jesse, Neil Jesse, and Samantha Jesse, and one great granddaughter, Bailey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Beulah Croft, and her two sisters, Alice Bowling and Joan Wells. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be sent to Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church, 2541 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35243. Her service will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel beginning at 10 AM officiated by Rev. Tom Parrish. Her visitation will follow from 10:30-12:30. Burial services will be conducted by Hughart and Beard in Crofton, Kentucky later in the week. The family wishes to thank Comfort Care Hospice, the staff at St. Vincent’s East, and Dr. Kent Tucker and his staff.