Cynthia was born on May 3, 1947 to William Paul Cates and Mary Pearl (Hicks) Cates. She was raised in Memphis, TN and Graduated from East High School before attending the University of Chattanooga (which later became University of Tennessee Chattanooga). After graduating with a major in chemistry, she went to work for DuPont as a laboratory chemist. After a few years she decided to go back to college and get a degree in education, and began teaching the gifted students, first in Dade County, Georgia and later in Hamilton County, Tennessee. At age 62 she retired and started volunteering for the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum as a conductor on the trains which she loved very much. Finally due to health concerns, she had to quit the most loved job of her life.
She was a longtime member of Hixson United Methodist Church and the Cornerstone Sunday School Class.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years Lynn Cowan and 3 children Benjamin (Amelia) Cowan, Mary (Jared) Lomax and Seth (Erin) Cowan and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepson, Jason Cowan.
A special thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga and especially Ashley and Christy for all their care.
There will be no public visitation at the funeral home.
A Graveside service and interment will be held at 2 pm on Monday, September 23, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Reverend Chuck Starks of Hixson United Methodist Church officiating.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum or your favorite charity
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
