Kendra Elizabeth Cates

Born: October 25, 1988

Nacogdoches, Texas

Gone to Heaven: October 5, 2023

San Antonio, Texas

Kendra lived her earliest years in East Texas, in Lufkin and Mt. Pleasant, prior to moving with her family to San Antonio in 1996.

Kendra attended Communication Arts High School, Northside ISD. She graduated with honors in 2007.

During high school, Kendra performed in the Varsity Choir. She competed in the TMEA vocal music auditions, earning Region Choir honors in middle school and high school for six years.

She competed in UIL solo competitions at the Region and State levels, earning Superior solo medals for six years.

Kendra was a member of NJHS and NHS. Kendra was invited to join a literary honor group at Communication Arts.

Kendra attended the University of Texas at San Antonio.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies in May, 2023.

Her major was in education, with an emphasis in English, reading, and social studies for grades 4th - 8th.

Kendra was a Shift Manager at Starbucks. She earned the prestigious title of Coffee Master. For her commitment, leadership, integrity, and dedication, Kendra received a 10 year service recognition award from Starbucks.

Kendra was a member of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. She was baptized by her father at the Oak Hills Church Crownridge Campus when she was 11 years old.

Kendra served as a teacher in Bibleland since she was in high school, participated in the OHC drama group and puppet ministry, served on the OHC baptism ministry team, and served on short-term mission teams to El Salvador and Ukraine.

Family always came first for Kendra. Kendra loved to plan and travel with her family. She looked forward to a yearly Tennessee trip to visit family.

From her grandparents, Kendra learned to appreciate and honor history. Kendra was an avid reader and a gifted writer. She won several writing competitions and always kept a journal.

Kendra loved with a pure heart: everyone else’s needs, comforts, and happiness were the main priorities for Kendra. She cared deeply, was genuinely generous, and unselfishly kind to friends and strangers alike.

Kendra is survived by her sister, Alison Rebekah Cates of San Antonio, her parents Thomas Wayne Cates and Marian Lea McLane Cates of San Antonio, Aunt Patrice and Uncle Randy Nichols of Lufkin, Uncle Allen Ray and Aunt Jana Cates of Huntington, Aunt Judy Holland of Clawson, Great Aunts June Brown of Frankston, Mary Phillips of Tyler, Martha Hicks of Frankston, and numerous cousins and extended family from Texas and Tennessee.

We know that Kendra, who never failed to express thanks for even the smallest act of kindness and care during these months battling cancer, would be the first to express her love and gratitude to each of you. Her life and memory will continue to bless each of us and we thank you for blessing Kendra with your love.

Tom, Marian, & Alison