Lavonda B. Cates, age 49

Lavonda B. Cates, age 49, of Forest City, NC, passed away Thursday, February 7, 2013.

Lavonda was born September 29, 1963 in Pampa, Texas to Ralph Burnett and the late Bobbie Brownlee Burnett.  She was a graduate of Pampa High School, class of 1983 and was also a graduate of Isothermal Community College.  She worked for Burger King for over 20 years and was a member of Florence Baptist Church.  Lavonda’s joy was helping people and spending time with her family.  She was also an avid bell collector.

     In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by one sister, Cathy Burnett Martin.

     She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Douglas Cates; one daughter, Elizabeth Cates of the home; father, Ralph Burnett and wife, Kay of Bostic; two brothers, Nicky Burnett and wife, Renee of Greer, SC and Tommy Burnett of the Dominican Republic.

     Funeral services were conducted at the Grassy Knob Church Fellowship with Reverend Jerry Jackson and Reverend Dr. Bobby Gantt officiating.  Interment followed in the church cemetery.  

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for the family of Mrs. Cates.