Vanessa Gail Kiser Cates

Vanessa Cates Obituary

On Wednesday, July 8, 2009, VANESSA GAIL KISER CATES passed away after a courageous and hard fought battle with neuroendocrine cancer. She is now with her Lord and Savior where she begins the next phase of her life. Vanessa was born on September 12, 1961, to Charles and Helen Adkins Kiser in Huntington, West Virginia. After spending her early years in Chicago, Vanessa's family moved to Wayne, West Virginia where her only son, Chuck, was born. In 1982, her family moved to Houston, Texas where she has since lived. She is survived by her parents, her husband of 18 years, Roger Cates, and her son, Chuck Cates, and daughter-in-law, Dustie. She also leaves to cherish her memory, two precious grandchildren, Chuck, Jr. and Gracie Cates. She is survived by her only sibling, Rick Kiser and his wife, Cathy; and five beloved nieces and nephews: Candice, Cristen, Chris, Danny, and Dallas. Vanessa also maintained many lifelong friendships and had two special friends, Lucy Gedies and Melissa Dickey. She also leaves her church family at Autumn Creek Baptist Church to mourn her. Vanessa was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend to all whom she met. Vanessa lived a vibrant and active life, enjoying it to the fullest extent. Friends and family will remember her love of the Lord, spontaneity, generosity, and strong willed spirit. Her enthusiasm for life could not be matched and she was loved by all. She spent her career in Houston working in various administrative and office management positions, the most recent being with Meritage Homes. Visitation with the family will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079 on Friday, July 10, 2009 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and a celebration of Vanessa's life will be held at the same location on Saturday, July 11, 2009 with Pastor Johnnie Hudson officiating. Burial will follow at the Memorial Oaks Cemetery. After the funeral, all are invited to a reception at Autumn Creek Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Autumn Creek Baptist Church Building Fund at 6735 Barker Cypress Road, Houston, Texas 77084.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jul. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Vanessa Cates

8 Entries

Dwayne Wallace

August 6, 2009

My condolences to the family. I have not seen Vanessa in a long time. When we were kids I met her at my neighbors, the Lesters' and I thought that she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen. I was hurt when I read of her passing and from what I can read about her, she had become a very special person. My prayers go out to the family.

RONALD & PAULETTE LESTER

July 26, 2009

ROGER,CHARLES,HELEN,RICK.
SORRY TO HERE OF VANESSA'S PASSING PLEASE EXCEPT OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES.MY MEMORY OF VANESSA IS AS A CHILD, BUT ALL THE FAMILY SPOKE VERY HIGHLY OF HER. SHE WILL BE MISSED.

grace handley

July 11, 2009

Cathy and Rick, I am so sorry for your loss. Vanessa truly lived life to the fullest. I remember her at the meritage parties having the best of times. grace handley (dr sheffield)

Nix

July 10, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys..Vanessa was a a wonderful woman who will be greatly missed! We'll never forget her smile! We're here for you guys when you need us. Allyson, Lance, Taylor & Leah

Dorothy Hubbard

July 10, 2009

Roger and family, I am so sorry for your loss even though I never met Vanessa personally, she was my cousin by marriage and I know she was loved very much by everyone, and she is going to be missed by everyone. She is not suffering anymore from such a horrible disease, she is with our lord and savior and at peace.

Gray Family

July 10, 2009

Vanessa was one of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I never knew her without a smile! She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. My prayers go out to her family. I hope it brings you comfort knowing she is with the Lord she loved so dearly.

Kenneth Howard

July 10, 2009

Roger,Chuck, Dusty and kids,
You are in our prayers, Vanessa was a great lady,with a bubbly personality. She will be truly missed.
Sorry we can't be there with you.
Love to all,
Kenneth and Vonda Howard

Brandy Kitchen

July 10, 2009

Dear Vanessa,

I would have loved to have told you this in person, but thank you for loving Jacob and Jessica as your own. When my mom died, one of her saddest thoughts was that she would not see her grandchildren grow and share in their lives, this you did for her...thank you! In so many ways, you remind me of my mom, and through you Jacob and Jessica received her love...thank you! In return, I pray you knew how much they loved you!!!!

We'll see you when we get there!

Christ's love and mine,

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