Jewell Henry Cates, Sr

Evans Funeral Home of Jefferson announces the death of Mr. Jewell Henry Cates Sr, age 81, of Hoschton, Georgia, who passed away peacefully from this world and into glory at 9:22 pm on Friday, October 11, 2024 after a prolonged illness while surrounded by his children and loved ones. Though not a member of a specific Church body, he was a dedicated follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of the Baptist Faith.

Mr. Cates lived his faith daily and loved Jesus. If he saw someone in need he would immediately step in to help in any way he could, many times even giving them a place to stay until they got on their feet. Never one to meet a stranger Mr. Cates made friends everywhere he went simply put, to know him was to love and respect him.

As a Master Builder, Mr. Cates spent his fifty plus year career designing, creating and building beautiful homes. A true artist in his field, Mr. Cates also created custom trim and fireplaces for many homes. His home designs and floors plans were features in several publications during the 1980’s, including Southern Home Building. Mr. Cates worked with the Jackson County Planning and Zoning Department and was the county’s first County Marshall.

Mr. Cates was born in Lithonia, Georgia, a son to the late Jewell and Martha Cates. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cates was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-five years, Elizabeth Inez “Molly” Cates; son, Jewell Henry “Jay” Cates Jr., his twin sister, Dene Jenkins, brother, Marvin Cates, and his nephews, Danny Armstrong and Freddie Booth.

Survivors include his children, Penny and Tony Johnson of Royston, GA, Jewellene Shumake of Snellville, GA, Lee and Tonya Cates of Jersey, GA, Sharlene and Michael Holcombe of Jefferson, GA; long time foster son, David and Kathy Bailey of Arnoldsville, GA; sister, Margaret Armstrong of Jefferson, GA; brother in law, Arthur “Boy” Feather, nineteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Rev. Story Tate and Mr. Robby Johnson officiating. The burial will follow in the Evans Memory Gardens with Rev. Tony Johnson officiating. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers are Robby Johnson, Josh Cates, Paul Tate, Pete Shumake, Justin Cates and Isaiah Billue.

The visitation will be held on Monday evening from 5:00PM until 8:00 PM at Evans Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org

Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia. 706-367-5467

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com