Cheryl Hollon Cates was born in 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida…

At the age of two she moved to Key West, where she lived most of her life. In 1971 Cheryl married her high school sweetheart, Craig Cates and they went on to have three beautiful daughters and 4 amazing grandchildren with whom she shared her love of music, performance and cars."

"Cheryl and her husband’s work ethic and determination helped to bring their dreams to fruition. Cheryl co-owned Cates Automotive, C-N-C Engine Services, and Napa Auto Parts with Craig. All of which served as successful, locally owned and operated businesses of their hometown."

"But being a successful business owner and mother of three girls wasn’t enough for this hard working woman who radiates energy. So she decided to pursue a career as a licensed Florida Realtor. She worked in that capacity for 34 years, hanging her license at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services for the last 22. She was inducted to the Berkshire Hathaway Honor Society, and recognized on a national level for exceptional sales and leadership skills. She was a real estate professional who enjoyed a prosperous career in Key West."

"Cheryl was service driven and gave her time to countless boards and committees. She was a member of the Key West Woman’s Club for 32 years. She committed a decade of service to Zonta, from whom she received the Community Service Award of Excellence in 2012. She served on the Board of Directors for Kids Come First and Wesley House Family Services, she was Vice President of Samuel’s House Executive Board and was a member of the Key West Mystic Krew. She received the Key West Business Guild’s Presidential Award in 2017, the Key West Star Award from the Chamber of Commerce in 2016 and several other accolades and recognition over the years from many local non-profits including the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, the 551 Club and the Botanical Gardens."

"Cheryl enjoyed encouraging and supporting local non-profits. She served her community with a special interest in children and families. She supported her husband Mayor Craig Cates as the “First Lady” of Key West for over a decade, representing city leadership at thousands of events over his five terms of service.