June ‘Junie B’ Bratton Cates

Ila June ‘Junie B’ Bratton Cates of Calvert, Texas passed away on August 23, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. 

June was born on July 9, 1944 to Garland G. “Sleepy” & Inez Bratton in Brady, Texas. June was part of the Brady High School Class of 1963.

On March 6, 1982, June married her best friend and soul mate, Ralph Holt Cates at Alief Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.

June was an incredibly talented, world-renowned artist who began painting and sketching in her teenage years. June was a member of the Texas Wild Bunch and the Calvert Chamber of Commerce.

June was well-recognized by her community and received several accolades that she held dear to her heart including the Best of Show (artwork) at the 1984 Brady Championship BBQ Goat Pill Flipping Contest and the Calvert Chamber of Commerce 2023 Community Impact Award. 

June and Ralph opened Lost Creek Gallery in Calvert, Texas in 2019. The gallery hosted artwork by many well-known artists, including herself. If you had a chance to get one of her paintings, you are truly lucky and have a wonderful piece of her in your collection. Regarding her gallery, June said, “My biggest accomplishment was turning a tiny little shop into a successful gallery.” Successful was an understatement. What a treat and treasure this little gallery was for the City of Calvert and to all who were lucky enough to visit it.

June, early on in life, was nicknamed June Bug by her cousin, Jerry Bratton and uncle, Charlie Bratton. Later on in life, June became known as Junie B. June possessed a captivating personality and sense of humor. June said, “I never really did what I was told, but I did two good things; I married Ralph and we moved to Calvert.” Junie B “June Bug,” and her contagious smile, quick wit, and beautiful personality will hold a very special place in many hearts for a lifetime to come. 

June was preceded in death by her parents, Garland G. “Sleepy” & Inez Bratton and one son, Lee Dawson Cates. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Ralph Cates, her daughter Jodie Lynn Baker and husband John, her son Ronnie Gray Turnell and wife Roxanne, her son Kevin Andrew Cates and wife Melissa, her sister Patsy Alexander and husband Paul and numerous grand and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the many people who lifted them up in prayers and supported them throughout this difficult journey. They would especially like to thank some very special friends; Jenny & Walter Qualls, Billy Lange, Karen & John Blackwell, James & Ellen Brien, Dennis & Sheri Crabtree, Louise Grigsby, Mike & Elaine Hensarling, Clare Kittle, Ashley Munn, 

Linda & Marty Porter, Ann Satterwhite, Lyn & Gary Trott and many others for their continued love, friendship and support over the years. 

Also grateful to the staff of Traditions Home Health, Palliative Care and Hospice Care.

Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 802 S Market, Hearne, TX. on Saturday, August 31st.. Visitation will be 9:00 -11:00 AM and the funeral service at 11:00-11:45. Burial immediately after the service at the Calvert Cemetery Annex . A reception will be held at the Calvert Baptist Church after the burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the animal Spay & Neuter program of your choice or 

City of Calvert

Note: Spay & Neuter Program

PO Box 505 

Calvert, TX 77837-0505