Mary Cates

Mary Aida Davis Cates, 55, of 706 S. Sellars Mill Rd. died Suddenly of an Intra-cerebral Aneurysm Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at UNC Chapel Hill, NC. Mary was born in Gainesville, FL and graduated with a BA in Graphic Arts from the University of Florida. Though retired, she spent the last several years traveling across the country giving seminars and clinics on martial arts with her husband. Mary studied martial arts for over 35 years. She was a member of Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts and as an 8th Degree black belt, held the worlds highest rank of this organization. When not working out or traveling Mary enjoyed graphic arts, calligraphy, gardening and spending time with her many pets. Mary is survived by her husband, Professor Ernest H. Cates of Burlington, NC, two step sons, Ernie Moose Cates of Pittsboro, NC, Erik Cates of Burlington, NC and two step-daughters, Punchie Hopp of Big Fork, MT and Dawn Stephens of Lutz, FL, 6 grandchildren, Jamie, Michael, Heather, Ernie, Josh and Autumn, and 3 great-grandsons, Will, Mason and Jordan, her mother Jeanette Davis of Gainesville, FL, two brothers, Roland Davis and Tommy Davis both of Gainesville, FL and one sister, Pam Davis of Colorado Springs, CO. A memorial will be held on Saturday May 20, 2006 from 1 to 3 pm at the Burlington Martial Arts Center 2139 N Church St. # A, Burlington, NC and A Celebration of her life will be held during the annual Cuong Nhu Training Camp at the University of Florida Campus, Gainesville Florida on Friday, May 26, 2006. In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to: the Mary Davis Cates Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 585, Burlington, NC 27215. The Cates family would like to thank the Staff and Team of Physicians at the Neurosurgical ICU of UNC Chapel Hill for their excellent care. Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. is serving the Cates Family. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@lowefuneralhome.com.