Mary Ferris Cate

She is survived by her children, daughters Mary Christina Dowsett Brooks of Florida and Sarah Elizabeth Cate of Nashville, son David Jackson Cate (Erika) of Franklin, grandchildren Rebecca Sage Brooks of Florida and Dawson Jacob Cate and Hunter Jackson Cate of Franklin and her faithful dog, Lola. She is also survived by siblings Sally Ferris, Billy Ferris and Charlotte Miller, all of Florida and cousin, Dallas Bethea of Virginia. She was preceded in death by parents William Ferris, Jr. and Sara Ashurst Ferris.

Mary was born in Decatur, Georgia on April 13th, 1948. She graduated from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1966 and from Florida State University in 1970. Mary taught elementary school education in Florida for several years before ultimately moving to Nashville in 1977 with former husband, Jack, and became a dedicated stay at home mom, driving her children to various activities and supporting them in all endeavors. She was a loyal member of St. George’s Episcopal Church for over 40 years and was heavily involved in numerous activities to include Mother’s Day Out and the Church Nursery, even directing those programs for some time in the 1980s. Most recently, she was involved in Chefs on Call and volunteering at This ‘N’ That Thrift through St. Luke’s Community House. She was also an active member of the Green Hills YMCA and enjoyed all the activities put on by the Active Older Adult programs. She was especially lucky at Bingo and enjoyed afternoons at the pool surrounded by her friends dubbed the “Noodle Group”.

Mary’s greatest enjoyment was her family and she especially loved watching her two grandsons play sports and cheering them on from the sidelines. Mary had a competitive spirit and loved playing games with her family. She also loved the Titans and college football, especially FSU and UT. She watched Jeopardy regularly and was excited when she was able to answer the Final Round question correctly. She took pleasure in her morning bible devotionals and kept an active prayer list. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her regular walks in the neighborhood where she lived for over 35 years.

Visitation with the family will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church on Friday July 29 at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Chefs on Call in care of St. George’s Episcopal Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Cate family.