Phyllis Cates

Phyllis Ann Cates, 81, of Center Cross, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, in Princeton, WV.

Born in Freeman, WV, Phyllis moved to Northern Virginia to work and raise a family of her own. She was the BEST mother to her own children and adoptive mother to many.

She was the light of many lives and always lent a helping hand to family, friends, and many acquaintances. Phyllis never knew a stranger from President to pauper. She was selfless in that she contributed yearly to hundreds of children’s Christmas boxes for children around the world, the “Little Jimmy” fund in Bluefield, WV, and always participated whenever there was a cause for need.

Our mom always showed strength and courage, love, and faith in God. She was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church in Dunnsville, VA.

Ms. Cates is preceded in death by her parents Ed and Helen Lambert; sister, Helen Lambert Freeman; and brother, Clarence Anderson Lambert.

Phyllis (AKA: “Trouble”) is also survived by her daughter Kimberly Ann Green (Robert) of Stafford, VA; son, James Edward Blankenbaker (Julie) of Hughesville, MD; grandchildren, Jacob and Anastasia (Nastia) of Hughesville, MD and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and the most sincere and loving Gary High School classmates and friends.

The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 am Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Ephesus Baptist Church, 287 Ephesus Church Rd, Dunnsville, Virginia 22454 with the funeral service beginning at 11:00am in the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Those wishing to make memorials may consider Ephesus Baptist Church, P O Box 1109, Dunnsville, VA 22454.