Virginia Marie "Ginger/Mamagin" Cates

Visitation for Virginia Marie “Ginger/Mama Gin” Cates, 90, of Tyler, are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, March 27th, 2025, at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00; Bro. David Martin will be officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Memorial Park under the direction of Tyler Memorial Funeral Home.

Ginger Cates was born July 29, 1934, in Tyler to the late John and Donnie Slayton and passed away March 23, 2025, in Tyler. She lived in Tyler her whole life and worked at JC Penny’s until she married; thereafter she was a proud homemaker and member of Park Heights Baptist Church/ Pine Brook Baptist Church. She loved spending time with family and friends, cooking and entertaining, and enjoyed card games and puzzles.

Mrs. Cates was preceded in death by her husband, Royce Cates, son, Scotty Cates, granddaughter, Kimbra Cates, two brothers, Wayne and Ricky Slayton, and sister, Charlene Higginbotham. She is survived by her son, Rex Cates and wife Lynne of Tyler; daughter Shelia Rafferty and husband Kevin of Raytown, Mo.; Daughter-in-law, Karen Cates of Tyler; three grandchildren, Karmen Serda and husband Bryan of Flint, Jacob Cates and wife Alanna of Flint, Caleb Cates of Lindale; and eight great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy- Zoie, Kyra, Eyan, Tyler, Nathanial, Camden, Addison, and Jensen.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Cates, Caleb Cates, Bryan Serda, Thomas Frounfelker, Steve Maynard, and Jason Caldwell.

Memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Tx. 75701 or Saint Jude Hospital for children.