Bertie Catchings

Catchings, Bertie Marie World famous author/psychic, Bertie Marie Catchings, passed away Nov. 12, 2011, in Dallas. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 19, in Rockdale at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Chapel. On May 5, 1927, in a place called Harmony, near Rockdale, Bertie Marie Cotton was born on a farm. Her natural parents were Aaron and Essie Cotton. They met a tragic death when Bertie was a child of 2. Bertie was adopted and raised by her grandparents, William and Mary Clampet, and her beloved aunt and uncle, Odis and Willie Mae Muston. Bertie's visions began as a small child, where she enjoyed early childhood in a quaint farm home surrounded by a lovely garden (one of her most favorite places). She attended Rockdale school system, graduating with honors in 1945. At the age of 10, Bertie was baptized in the St. John's Methodist Church, later becoming a member and singing in the church choir, receiving awards for perfect attendance. For Bertie, this church was a source of strength and spiritual growth which helped her understand the complexity of her life. In 1945, Bertie married J.B. Catchings. In 1947, a son, Johnny Boyd Catchings, was born. John Catchings later married Gayle Becker and to this union a child was born, Tammy Gayle Catchings, Bertie's beloved granddaughter and the apple of her eye. In 1961, Bertie went to work for the State of Texas comptroller's office at the State Capitol, until her love of writing and speaking prevailed. Bertie wrote for various magazines and books including several personal newspaper columns in Texas publications. She also hosted her own popular radio broadcast show, "This Day With Bertie," in Dallas, Houston and Austin. Many books have been written about Bertie Catchings regarding her life and predictions including famous author Brad Steiger. She personally appeared on the TV show "That's Incredible" with her son John and "The Rod Roddy Show." Bertie was a guest on "The Merv Griffin Show" and "The Mike Douglas Show" many times. In her lifetime, she read for many famous celebrities and dignitaries, entertaining at the governor's mansion on various occasions. Bertie's greatest personal achievement and satisfaction was assisting law enforcement officers with missing person cases and homicide cases. She helped law enforcement officials in Atlanta, Oklahoma, Dallas, Houston and Puerto Rico, including the Texas Rangers and numerous agencies across the U.S.. Bertie loved animals, her cats, people, good books, African violets, music and, later in life, collecting cookbooks and trying new recipes. Preceding her in death, son John Catchings, parents Aaron and Essie Cotton, grandparents William and Mary Clampet, aunt and uncle Odis and Willie Mae Muston, and cousin Virgie Gilley. She is survived by beloved granddaughter Tammy Gayle Catchings and stepbrother Charlie Cotton. Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, Rockdale, Texas 512-446-5454