Willowdean McMichael Cate, 97, of Talladega passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025. A funeral ceremony will be held in her honor at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega with Kevin Jones officiating. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow directly after the ceremony at Pine Hill Memorial Park.

Born on June 18, 1928, Mrs. Cate was a native of Clay County, but she spent most of her life in Talladega. Growing up during the Great Depression made her resilient and a hard worker. She graduated from Talladega High School in 1945 and retired from the Anniston Army Depot after 21 years of service. Willowdean was a lifelong member of Southside Baptist Church where she once taught the girls’ Sunday school class. She loved flowers and worked in her flower beds avidly. Known for her sweet spirit and mannerisms, she was a very loving and devoted mother and “Nana Dean” whose children and grandchildren will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce F. Cate.

Mrs. Cate is survived by her son, Rodney Cate; daughter, Sherry Cate Schlerf; grandchildren, Suzanna Schlerf and David Schlerf, and great-grandchildren, Hunter Skelton, Sawyer Skelton, Connor McIntire, Reese McIntire, Dillion Schlerf, Joshua Schlerf, and Asher Schlerf.

Hunter Skelton, Sawyer Skelton, Barry Skelton, and Jim Germany will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.