Holly Jean Cates Thompson, age 70, of Millen, Georgia, passed away on September 8, 2026.

Holly was born on June 12, 1956, in Sylvania, Georgia, to Carol Jean Hill Cates and the late Gary Edwin Cates, Sr. She attended Jenkins County Elementary and Jenkins County High School. She continued her education at Augusta Technical College, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree, and also earned a degree in Administrative Assisting from Ogeechee Technical College.

Holly devoted more than 30 years of her life to caring for others as an LPN. During her nursing career, she worked at Aiken Hospital and Pepperidge Farms Nursing Home. Her years in nursing reflected her caring nature and her desire to help those around her.

Holly was a member of Millen Baptist Church and the WMU Circle of Friends. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she especially enjoyed singing in the church choir and worshiping alongside her church family. She loved to sing, loved talking about her children, and treasured time spent with her family. Her nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart.

Holly was preceded in death by her father, Gary Edwin Cates, Sr.; her oldest daughter, Heather Nicole Ledbetter; and her grandparents, Tremon Amanda Blackburn Cates, George Edwin Cates, Harvey Allen Hill, and Vergie Thelma Jenkins Hill.

She is survived by her mother, Carol Jean Hill Cates of Millen; her daughters, Carolyn Jordan Ledbetter and Jacklyn Josette Spa; her siblings, Gary Edwin Cates, Jr., Theron Hill (Angie) Cates, and Amanda "Mandy" Cates (Brian) Underwood; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Gavin Underwood, Garris Underwood, Graham Cates, and Sarah Beth Cates (Ben) Dickey.

A memorial service celebrating Holly's life will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Millen Baptist Church, 219 N. Gray St., Millen, GA. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 1355 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30309.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Holly's caregivers, hospice team, and the members of her church family for the love, care, prayers, and support they provided.