Mildred Mitchell Cates, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away at her home in San Marcos on Monday, May 4, 2009 at the age of 89. She was born on May 3, 1920, in Mexia to Samuel Boneaux and Lois (Wilbanks) Henderson.

She graduated from Elkhart High School and knew at an early age the importance of a good education. While pursuing her college degree, WWII broke out, interrupting her studies. In 1956, she and her husband, Mancil returned to San Marcos to complete her BS in Education and a Master of Arts in English from Southwest Texas State Teachers College. Mildred taught English at San Marcos High School and was a published author.

After Mancil died in 1980, she retired from teaching after having touched the lives of many students for 22 years. In 1981, she married Jerome Cates, who was a wonderful companion for the next 22 years. Mildred and Jerome (Jack) enjoyed traveling and being with family and their supper club friends. During her retirement years, Mildred continued being an avid reader and author. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening, cooking and all types of sewing and needlework. Those who knew Mildred will always remember her independent spirit, her great organizational skills, and her ability to plan and get things accomplished, be it at home, school or church. She was an elder in the First Presbyterian Church and she was recognized in the San Marcos Women's Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Mountain Laurel Garden Club, Brackenridge Club, Retired Teachers and she served on the San Marcos Library Board.

Mildred referred to herself as a “yellow dog Democrat,” was an advocate for women's rights and believed in the individual rights of all. She was a creative hands-on person and was always involved in the activities of her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her son, Mancil L. (Lee) Mitchell and wife, Judy of San Marcos; daughter, Teri Moore of Fort Worth; brother, Bob Henderson and wife, Jane of Palestine; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 at the Chapel in the San Marcos City Cemetery, with the Rev. Dr. Jenna Heart officiating. Family will receive friends after the service at Mildred's home, 614 Franklin Drive in San Marcos.

Special thanks to Dr. Greg Moore, Dr. Steven Minor, Dr. Faisal Syed, ICU Nurse Suzie Cude, and hospice nurses, Cindy and Samille for their special care of Mildred.

Memorial contributions may be made to CTMC Hospice Care, 1315 IH-35N, San Marcos, Tx. 78666 or Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, Tx. 78130.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos 353-4311.

Visit our Web site at www.penningtonfuneralhome.com