Brenda Louise Cates

Brenda Louise Cates, age 64, of Pelham, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Brenda was born in AL. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, George and Evelyn Garzarek; husband, Johnny Cates; and sister, Karen Watts. She is survived by her children, Dan Blocker (Sandi), Eddie Bratton, and Dallas Bratton; brothers, Ronald Garzarek, Roy Garzarek, and Freddy Garzarek; grandchildren, Anna Blocker, Wyatt Schultz, Stephanie Blocker, and Jadea Schultz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Brenda was a devoted and loving wife and mother, as well as grandmother to her family. She was born in 1959 to George and Evelyn Garzarek, the third of five children. In her adolescent years, Brenda proudly cheered for her brother's youth football teams and attended Curry Elementary and Woodlawn High School.

She worked for over ten years for the Jefferson County School System as a dietician in the lunchrooms of multiple schools.

We all remember her kindness, compassion, and forgiveness of others.

Ephesians 4:32 reads, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other, just as Christ God has forgiven you."

Brenda loved her family and friends dearly, she will be missed by all.

A visitation for Brenda will be held Monday, October 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Johns-Ridout's Mortuary-Elmwood Chapel, 800 Dennison Ave Sw, Birmingham, AL 35211. A funeral service will occur Monday, October 16, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 800 Dennison Ave Sw, Birmingham, AL 35211. Brenda will be laid to rest in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235.

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