“A Time to be Born”
Mother Callie L. Kates was born on February 15, 1928 to the spiritual union of Tom Quincy, Sr. and Leora Johnson Quincy-Jones in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Mother Kates was the fifth child out of seven children.
“A Time to Plant”
Mother Callie L. Kates was raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she received her formal education from the Alabama Public School System. After graduating from high school she relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in June 1947. She continued her higher education and training as a dietitian and in child care. Mother Callie L. Kates worked for thirty years. She was employed at a popular furs and coats company. She also held an occupation as a dietitian. Mother Kates received several accolades for her work. Her supervisor was so impressed that she offered her a promotion as dietitian manager. Mother Kates continued to work until she retired. Mother Kates accepted Christ at an early age and never deviated from what she professed. She received her Christian foundation from Rehoboth Church of God in Christ (COGIC) under the leadership of the founder and Pastor Verdell Wallace.
“A Time to Love”
Her love story began on a magnificent day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Buster L. Kates, Jr., was walking and saw a young, beautiful lady walking as well. While Callie was talking with friends and relatives, she noticed a man and said, “Who is that handsome, tall, fast walking man?” Buster Jr. approached Callie and from the first time they met, it was love at first sight. She was the apple of his eye and he was the love of her life. Callie was united in holy matrimony with Mr. Buster L. Kates, Jr. in 1951. To this union six children were born.
The Kates Family joined Williams Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the founder and Pastor Bishop J.C. Williams. It was Mother Kates’ pleasure to serve Williams Temple COGIC in the following ministries: Head of the Cleaning Committee, singing in the Choir, appointed as Second Sunday Women’s Day Prayer Warrior, and facilitated Communion every f i rst Sunday of the month. After the passing of Bishop J.C. Williams, with a portion of her family, Mother Kates later joined St. Emmanuel Church of God in Christ under the leadership of founder Pastor Vornia Mc Gahee and Co- Pastor Evangelist Ora Mc Gahee, unt il her health prevented her from attending.
Mother Kates truly loved and cherished those she encountered. In her leisure she exercised her passion for cooking for her husband, children, relatives and friends. Mother Kates cooked and served for over 50 years. She was delighted to host a plethora of family and friends, similar to a restaurant. Her baby daughter affectionately referred to her cooking and hospitality as, “Callie’s Kitchen!”
Mother Kates loved God, was a woman of faith, was a praying woman, a woman of great integrity, faithful to her church and vowed to serve the Lord. She was dedicated to reading the Bible, enjoyed listening to Gospel music, Christian shows, sewing and shopping for her stylish flair.
“A Time to Die”
Mother Kates exchanged her ticket from this life to eternal life where there is no more crying, no more pain, on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. When she arrived to her final destination, she joined in the great family reunion with her loving husband, Deacon Buster L. Kates, Jr.; her parents, Tom Sr. and Leora Quincy – Jones; her beloved daughter, Sister Linda S. Kates; siblings, aunts and uncles.
“A Time of Peace”
God walked in his garden and decided he needed an extraordinary flower for his vase, so he plucked Mother Callie L. Kates. She now has a life to live that is eternal, she lives in a new city with twelve gates made of pearls, streets of pure gold, a river living water, tree of life; which bared twelve manner of fruits. A city where there is no need for sun or moon. The glory of God lights it up all along, for there is no night. She has no concern about suffering, for the leaves of that tree are for the healing nation. There is no hospital, for God has wiped away all the tears from her eyes. There is no more death, neither sorrow, nor pain, for the former things are passed away and all new things are now.
Mother Kates peacefully left Tuesday afternoon. Her endearing smile provided a sense of love and appreciation to all of those who knew her. Her beautiful spirit lives in our minds and hearts, so well until we hear that call.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her beloved children, Evangelist Stanley L. Kates, Sr. (Bobbie), Elder Americus Kates, Sr. (Vicky), Deacon Buster L. Kates III, Sister Versa T. Kates and Sister Lutisha L. “Jackie” Kates; five grandchildren, Angela M. Kates, Theresa C. Moore (Micheal), Americus Kates, Jr., Stanley L. Kates, Jr. and Terrell D. Kates; five greatgrandchildren, Kamerah Kates, Jayda Moore, Kayden Kates, Daliyah Kates and Micah Moore; two godsons, Lloyd Roseman and Ra’Fael Ward, all of Milwaukee, WI, and a host of other relatives and friends.
We have lost a Mother, grandmother , great-grandmother, aunt, and friend but Heaven has gained a Queen.