Mary was born and raised in Florence, Alabama. She grew up in a large family of 7 kids. Mary married at the age of 17.By the time she was 27 she was single and raising her 3 wonderful children. Mary was a very intelligent woman, even though she only finished the 10th grade she never let that slow her down. She was self taught and a successful business owner. She owned and operated M&L Freight located in Birmingham for 30 plus years. Mary also loved people, she was the center of attention anywhere she went. She loved to cook and was such a good cook. She cooked a big meal every Sunday for her family to all come together and she always had her doors open for anyone else that needed a friend or just wanted a meal.
Mary was a member of Kimberly Church of Christ in Kimberly Alabama
Surviving relatives : 2 sons Tommy Cates of Morris Alabama, Donny Cates (Vicki) of Warrior Alabama. 1 daughter Teresa Carlisle of Chelsea Alabama, 7 grandchildren , David Cates (Cassidy) of North Carolina, Steven Cates (Haley) of North Carolina, Barry Cates and Richard Cates of Morris Alabama, Brooks Jett of Pinson Alabama, Blane Jett (Britney) of Trussville Alabama, Branson Montgomery of Chelsea Alabama. 4 great grandChildren , Abigail Cates of North Carolina, Brady and Bryson Cates of North Carolina, Josephine Jett of Trussville Alabama and Mary had a long time Friend Danny Wiygul of 25 plus years that was like family she loved very much . One sister Betty Richardson
She was preceded in death by her parents Porter and Elsie Kilpatrick, 4 brothers Cecil, James, Johnny and Larry Kilpatrick and 2 sisters Christine Barnett, Nadean Patterson.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 8, 2022 10 o'clock till 11 o'clock in Magnolia Hall at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, Al 35071. A funeral service will follow at 11 o'clock.
She will be buried at North Carolina Church of Christ 3500 Co Road 36 Killen Al. 35645 256-757-1700
Pallbearers: Blane Jett, Brooks Jett, Branson Montgomery, David Cates, Steven Cates and Richard Cates
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the GODSEY family.
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