Mrs. Cates was born February 17, 1937 in Littlefield, Texas. She graduated from Silverton High School, and West Texas State with a Masters in elementary education. She obtained her special education certification and taught in the Amarillo Independent and River Road Schools Districts. Shirley married Perry Cates in 1960 in Silverton, but lived in Amarillo most of her life. She loved music; sewing and church life has always been important to her and her family. She was a member of Paramount Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Letha Elms and a brother Larry Elms. She is survived by her husband, Perry of the home, son Troy E Cates and wife Camille, 2 Granddaughters, Phoebe and Sophia Cates and one grandson John James Cates.
