Alicia Diane Kates “Lisa”, was born on August 27, 1959 in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

Daughter of the late Clemetine O. Russell and Shelton Oliver, Sr. Lisa went home to be

with the LORD on Sunday, January 25, 2026.  

Lisa and her late husband Harry L. Kates, Sr met in 1979 and married in 1980; from that

union they had two children; the late Harry Kates, Jr and Hakeem Kates. She and her

husband loved spending time with the children. 

Lisa was a talented young woman, graduating from Bridgeton High School in 1977

where she played volleyball. After graduating from Lincoln University and PennCo

Tech, Lisa pursued a career as a medical billing and coding technician.

Spending time with her family, especially family picnics brought joy to Lisa. Playing

cards with her sister Jackie and brother-in law Carlton was always a fun time where Lisa

and Harry Sr. had a great team strategy of winking eyes, facial expressions and passing

cards to win the game. Lisa was always coordinated in her appearance from head to toe

while wearing red. She was known as the “human dictionary” within the family since she

could spell and pronounce anything.  

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Shelton Oliver, Sr. and Clemetine Russell;

her beloved husband Harry Kates, Sr. and son Harry Kates, Jr, and her youngest sister

Valarie Hall.

Lisa leaves a legacy of precious memories and unconditional love. Lisa is survived by

her son Hakeem Kates (Kelly), grandchildren Celina and Gianna, sister Jacqualyn

Goldsboro (Carlton), brother Shelton Oliver, Jr.(Terry), aunts Dorothy Davis, Barabara

and Frances Venney, cousins Ronald Mounts (Bridgette) and Reginal Davis (Patrice),

and George Venney. She was the beloved sister-in law to Linda, Pearl, Marilyn,

Charlie, and Raymond Kates. Along with niece, nephews and extended family. She will

be missed.