Vicky Cates Brown, age 73 of Alton, MO was born November 4, 1951 and passed away March 8, 2025.
She is survived by a son, Chris, her sister, Kerry Cates Randolph, two grandchildren, Mitchell Brown and Jessica Murphy, three great grandchildren, Avery and Alana Brown and Liam Murphy.
Vicky was preceded in death by her parents William Clifford Cates and Anna Lee Hayes Cates, her daughter Jaime Michelle Brown and nephew Justin Randolph.
Vicky was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder, Myasthenia Gravis, nearly 40 years ago. She battled it bravely and even some of her closest friends never knew. They only noticed a charming southern belle with the sweetest southern drawl.
Vicky was an avid letter writer. She had pen pals in several states, some she corresponded with at least weekly, for over 50 years. She had very unique handwriting and if you were fortunate enough to get a card or letter from her you didn’t have to look at the return address to know who sent it.
When her mother started needing care, Vicky was her primary caregiver and constant companion. They split their time between their home in Huntsville, Alabama and their family farm in Alton, MO. She loved gardening and with her son Chris’ help was able to grow and preserve a variety of vegetables. She also helped her mother with her beautiful prize-winning quilting projects. When her mother passed away, she walked out of the hospital room and calmly proclaimed to her sister “it’s time to start a new chapter.
Part of that new chapter was becoming a regular volunteer and participant at the Alton Senior Center. The people she met there gave her purpose and became her “family” as well as her dear friends. She loved delivering meals, meeting more new friends, participating in the many activities and enjoying a good meal with “her people”. Even as her health deteriorated, a trip to the center to be with friends gave her strength and courage that kept her smiling and those bright eyes shining.
Now it’s time we “start a new chapter” and find purpose to continue with that same spirit and perseverance she taught us.
