Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Catherine Barclift Obituary
Born February 18, 1985 in Birmingham, Alabama, Catherine Barclift passed away November 6, 2007, in Gainesville, Florida, after being struck by a SUV while jogging. A first year law student at the University of Florida's Levin College of Law, she was a member of the John Marshall Bar Association, the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, and the Criminal Law Association. Miss Barclift was a 2007 graduate of Florida State University where she received dual degrees in International Affairs and Philosophy. She was a member of the FSU Ethics Team and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority; she participated in the university's study abroad program in London, England in the summer of 2005 and returned the next spring as an Intern for the Scottish National Party in the British House of Commons. In 2003, Miss Barclift received the International Baccalaureate Diploma from Fort Myers High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and served as delegate to the International Youth Leadership Forum for Defense, Diplomacy & Intelligence in Washington, D.C. While at Fort Myers High School, she was a member of the Sound Wave Select Show Choir and was President of the Choral Department. Miss Barclift received the highest possible rating for Musical Theater in Thespian state competition and was a member of the South West Florida Symphony Choir and the Naples (Community Theater) Players, performing on stage in My Fair Lady and Sweet Charity. Miss Barclift was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she served on the Youth Leader Search Committee and sang in the choir. She participated in youth mission work, including a mission trip to Mexico in 2000; she also served that year as a youth summer volunteer for the Catholic Hispanic Services.
Miss Barclift, an organ donor, is survived by her parents, Robert and Stephanie Barclift, her sister Caroline Barclift, all of Fort Myers, her maternal grandmother, Shirley Stovall Jebb of Sarasota, her paternal grandparents, Preston and Nancy Barclift of Florence, Alabama; uncles and aunts, Joel and Cindy Jebb of Cornwall, New York and David and Debbie Barclift of Atlanta, Georgia.
A memorial service will be conducted by the Reverend Tom McMillan at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers, Florida, on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, a memorial service is planned in the Chesterfield Smith Ceremonial Classroom #180, at the Levin College of Law of the University of Florida on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of the flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in Catherine's memory to the Youth Mission and Missionary Outreach Programs at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida 33901 and/or Amnesty International, 510 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001, Attn: Tamieka Byer.
Arrangements are under the care of MORING FUNERAL HOME, 352-475-2201.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Barclift
Nick Stein
August 12, 2008
Dear Stephanie:
I just learned that your daughter, Catherine, passed away. . . I am so sorry to hear this. I cannot possibly imagine the sorrow you and your family have gone through. With your love, strength, intelligence, and faith, I am sure you have been instrumental in guiding your family in a positive direction while maintaining the memory, love, and affection you and your family have for Catherine.
All of my love to you and your family,
Nick
Frank Harris
December 4, 2007
Dear Bob, Stephanie and Caroline,
I just learned of Catherine's tragic death. I know that you have lost a wonderful daughter and Caroline a great sister. She had accomplished so much in life. Bob, I know how proud you were of her. You were always sharing special things about your family with me.
God Bless you all.
Frank Harris ( 52 nd St. )
ROBERT ROBITZEK
December 4, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tom DeCourcey
November 30, 2007
Dear Barclift Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Tom,Becky,Gloria & Kelly DeCourcey
Barbara Stewart
November 27, 2007
I just learned this evening of Catherine's tragic passing. I remember her lively and spirited personality when chaperoning some of the Covenant Youth Group trips. Please know you are in my prayers.With deepest sympathy, Barbara Stewart.
Tracie Wildes
November 26, 2007
The Barclift Family,
I was so deeply saddened by the news of your unexpected loss. I worked for six years with David Barclift and developed a close friendship with him and his family. David often talked about all of you - bragging about Catherine's accomplishments and I felt as if I knew all of you just by listening to the stories that David shared. May your memories of her warm your heart at this difficult time.
God bless all of you!!
Lorraine (Sheeler) Murphy
November 21, 2007
It was with sadness that I read the beautiful obituary of Catherine in the Sarasota HERALD-TRIBUNE. I have relocated from Ft. Myers where I taught voice at Edison College to Sarasota and am the former wife of Douglas Renfroe, Catherine's voice teacher at Edison. I accompanied her voice lessons while assisting in the music department. You may not remember me, but I remember Catherine and could not let this opportunity pass by without sending you my deepest sympathy. May God be with you all in the days and years to come. Hold fast to the memories of her wonderful life and celebrate them.
Christa Webb
November 19, 2007
The Barclift Family,
Your daughter Catherine, was an amazing young woman who loved the Lord and who loved life. She never took life for granted and lived it to the fullest. We worked together at Smokey Bones until we were just out of luck. But she would always lighten the mood to make the night go faster. I would also see her at the gym a few times and we would get a quick workout together before she had to move on with her routine. I miss her smile and her presence. She was a great friend who would help me out in times of need. You are such a blessed family and I send out my regards to you. Stay strong in the Lord as he will comfort you. God bless you and Catherine hunny, your amazing!
Maria Garcia
November 19, 2007
Dearest Barclift Family,
May the Lord lift every heart that may be in sorrow from this great loss. My deepest regards go out to all. G-D bless.
Spalding and Johnette Pyron
November 17, 2007
Dear Barclift family,
We are so sad about what has happened. It's hard to know what to say and any words are small in relation grief that goes with loosing a child. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.
Tim & Mickki Beall
November 15, 2007
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May her lives joys be with you forever.
Jerrie (Barclift) Crider
November 15, 2007
Bob and Stephanie,
I wish I could have gotten to know Catherine. I was saddened by Bob's email this morning, learning of Catherine's death. My thoughts are with your family at this time of your loss. Had I known, I would have attended the service. I forwarded the email you sent to my dad, so he can read the beautiful things you had to say about your daughter.
Drew Clayton
November 14, 2007
Dear Bob, Stephanie and Caroline:
I am so sorry to learn of Catherine's passing. I realize there is not much anyone can say to ease the pain of your loss. However, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer DeShazo
November 14, 2007
To the Barclift family--
I attended the beautiful service for Catherine last night, and was truly moved by the number of people who came to share their love for Catherine. I attended Fort Myers High School with Catherine. While we didn't keep in contact as well as we should have after graduation from FMHS, I wanted to share with you a couple memories I have of her and how she truly impacted and brightened my life. My grandfather, whom I was very close to, passed away in September of our junior year. I was devastated, I had been called out of class in 6th period and given the news of his death, and I called one of our mutual friends to tell her that I would not be going to the football game with them that night. Imagine my surprise when Catherine, along with 3 of our other friends, showed up at my grandmother's house to pick me up and take me to a sleepover. While there, Catherine did everything in her power to cheer me up, even prank calling people with different hilarious voices she had concocted just to make me laugh. That night when we were going to sleep I remember Catherine just rolling over and patting me on the arm, telling me everything would be ok. Catherine also was my "prom consultant" when she worked at Jacobson's. I remember going in there while she was working and shopping for prom and homecoming dresses. Catherine and I would talk and joke around for hours about school, her co-workers, how she could never wear certain dresses because of "her girls" LOL. She would always tell me what NOT to buy, because she always knew who had already come in and purchased the same dress. Catherine was just a ball of energy, she could always make me laugh, and I admired her intelligence and drive to succeed in everything she set her mind to. She will be truly missed by everyone whom her life impacted. As you attempt to work through these trying times, remember how Catherine always just wanted to make people feel good. She assured me that everything was going to be ok and to keep my head up after my grandfather passed, and I know she would want us to do the same now...I feel truly honored to have known such an amazing young woman. May God be with your family.
Kathy Berry
November 14, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and will remain with you. I was devasted to hear about this tragedy from Karen Benson. I have such happy memories of our children(when they were children)in the 90's at Covenant. Know you are in my prayers.
Deb, Tony, Tony and Paulina Fransway
November 14, 2007
Dear Bob, Stephanie, and Caroline,
Words cannot express how deeply we care for your entire family. We will continue to pray for you and stand by you to provide hugs, love, comfort, and support.
Our loss is heaven's gain. I suspect Catherine is up there entertaining God at this very moment.
God loves her dearly, and it is a great comfort to know that she is basking on His unending glory.
I'll bet she's singing with the chorus right now.....probably taking a solo now and again!
Much love,
Carole Scutt
November 14, 2007
I don't know any of you but the photo and story of this wonderful young lady has touched my heart and especially when I have grandchildren with similar backgrounds. May your faith, your family and your friends sustain you at this time.
Chelsea Woodcock
November 14, 2007
Catherine,
I'll never forget meeting you in philo (what a terrible study we both complained but kept choosing those classes anyway). My bday was amazing last yr. I hope you find yourself a young one up there :) I still have your present at my house. It wasn't long that we were friends but we got close so quick. Probably cuz of our quirkiness. I'm so glad I got to see you at the FSU game the other weekend. I guess that was your way of saying goodbye and trust me I'll always remember it. Make sure you watch over me as I try to answer all these crazy philo questions (and don't think that I can't hear you laughing since you have all the answers to the crazy mind and God questions we always talked about) I love you sweetheart. Rest in peace.
Dear Barclift Family,
I never met you but I knew Catherine her last yrs at FSU. We were both looking forward to going to grad school at FSU so we could still hang out. You can imagine how disappointed I was to find out that she went to that other university down the road :) Luckily I got to see her at one of the FSU homegames this yr. I know this entry seems lighthearted but thats how Catherine was to me. She always was laughing and carrying on. You raised a beautiful person who impacted my life in such a great way. She was a good friend and mentor and I will never forget her. My heart goes out to you in this sad time but find comfort in knowing how many lives your daugther touched. I love you Catherine, watch over us all.
Mike Carroll
November 13, 2007
Bob, Stephanie, and Caroline,
May the peace of God be with you. We have been thinking about you and praying for you constantly. I will always remember the visit that Bob and Catherine made to Birmingham last year during her law school search. She is a saint and an angel that obviously brought a lot of joy and inspiration to those she was around. We look forward to being with her in the kingdom of God some day.
Dan and Paulette Sikes
November 13, 2007
Dear LTC Barclift and family,
I pray that you find grace and blessings for the time that you had with such a wonderful child. I hope this carries you and helps you in the future. Seize the time you have with the ones you love and thank the Lord.
You remain in our prayers!
Jeff Jackson
November 13, 2007
Dear Barclift Family
Please know of our prayers for all of you. We pray that God will hold you in His hands and give you needed strength.
Mount Vernon Pesbyterian School
Patrick Leduc
November 13, 2007
LTC Barclift and family: Words cannot express my deepest sympathy. Your family is in my prayers for God to comfort and hold you close. Our God is a loving God. May His grace abide in you and your family until you all are once again reunited in His love. Very Sincerely and Respectfully, Patrick N. Leduc, Major(P), JA, 143d SC(E)
KC Taylor
November 13, 2007
Dear Bob & Family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Having walked this same path myself, I understand what you are going through. Should you need to talk with someone who's survived, I'm here.
Cindy Syms
November 13, 2007
Bob and family,
My deepest sympathy for all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Cindy
Brett Malcolm
November 12, 2007
Barclift Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your friends. I met Catherine in London and enjoyed the time I was able to spend around her. She was a spark into any day and knew how to make anyone smile. She was a great person.
Ralph Burch
November 12, 2007
Bob:
So sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Mc Caffrey
November 12, 2007
I met Catherine on a train in Europe when she was studying over here. We stayed in the same accommodation in Holland for a few days before heading off our separate ways. She came to visit me in Ireland with her good friend Allie for Patrick's weekend last year. For the short time that I knew her I could see how bright and beautiful she was, both inside and out. Her smile could light up a room.
I cannot find the words to express how sorry I am for your loss.
Tina Brown
November 12, 2007
I do not know any of you, yet I hurt for your loss. My sympathy and prayers are with you.
God bless.
Jackie Alexander Murphy
November 12, 2007
Dear Bobby, Stephanie and family,
Words cannot express my deepest sympathy, I just want you to know that I have heard of your loss and want you to know that even though you are miles away that you are in my prayers for God to comfort and hold you close. And Bob, even though we have not seen you in many years, many of your BHS '75 classmates want you to know that we love you.
Emmalyn (Murphree)& Larry Smith
November 12, 2007
Dear Barclifts, We are saddened over the news of Catherine. Even though we have never met you, the Barclift family has been dear to our family for several generations. Evelyn Walker and my aunt, Margaret Hanes, were good friends as Margie Sue and I were. What wonderful memories I have with the Barclifts. We had lunch with Preston and Nancy last year in Florence and had a good time reminiscing.
May those wonderful memories of Catherine sustain you!
God Bless, Emmalyn(Mamie)&
Larry Smith
Pauline
November 12, 2007
The Lord is her sheppard, and she shall not want, anymore, she has now got everything she needs. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter, she did accomplish a lot in her short 22 years, you should be very proud of raising such a bright, respectful, intelligent daughter. may God be with you at this time as I know you are in my thoughts and prayers
Dee & Tim Bird
November 12, 2007
Dear Barclift family: I am very very very sorry of your loss and pray that God will surround his arms around you and give you comfort and love. We will keep you and your family in our prayers during this time of loss. no words can express our deepest sympathy.
Safe Hugs,
Julia Landry
November 11, 2007
Dear Barclift Family,
I knew Catherine briefly while she was studying to take the LSAT. Even during that nerve-wrecking time, she was bubbly and lively and radiant. She was always cheerful and with a funny story to tell. I saw her last a few days before she was to move to Gainesville. She was so excited and beaming. I was thrilled for her and proud. All I remember is her bright smile. I learned of her untimely death this morning. I am deeply sadden a bright light was taken from this world. I know she still sparkling in the heavens.
Respectfully,
Julia Landry
Sandy Caleffe
November 11, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Ivan Woods
November 11, 2007
Dear Barclift Family
I am truly sorry to hear the news of Catherine's passing. We will keep you in our prayers at this sorrowful time.
Buster Carroll
November 10, 2007
Our condolences to the Barclift family. It saddened our hearts to hear of this tragic .Will think of the family in our prayers.
Buster and Joyce Carroll
John (Dutch) Holland
November 10, 2007
Bob,
Your family and ours have been friends for more than 40 years through good times and bad. Our family grieves for the loss of your dear, beautiful Catherine. Please know,that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Joyce Chatman
November 10, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Lisa Barber Hill
November 10, 2007
This morning when I read the paper and saw Catherine's picture, I thought what a beautiful girl. I then looked at the name and my heart was broken. I then thought back to the days on Acton Drive and what special times they were and how wonderful it was to have you as our neighbors. Even though we don't see each other very often now, and even though I never met Catherine, I want you to know that my heart and prayers are with you.
Lolly Jones
November 10, 2007
There aree'nt words at this time so I won't waste any. I only want you all to know that you are in my thoghts and prayers and have a special place deep down in my heart. Love to all of you.
Lolly Barber Jones
Jeffrey Del Fuoco
November 10, 2007
There is nothing to say that hasn't already been said by others - perhaps simply, that I am sorry for your loss, dear friends.
Helen Howard
November 10, 2007
Bob, and the family,
Though many years, and many miles separated, I want you to know that you are in my prayers and thoughts this weekend. What a glorious girl! I have a 15 year old following in her footsteps, Amnesty, Musical theatre, Jazz, and passion for saving the world. I'm sending love and hugs from Arizona...God Bless
Jan Priester-Hughes
November 10, 2007
Dear Bob,
My heartfelt sympathy to you at this tradgic time. Words cannot begin to express my true feelings. Please be assured that I will hold your precious family up in my sincere prayers. May the peace of God engulf you and sustain you these next few days in all the days ahead.
Love, Jan
Dixie & Dan Cole
November 10, 2007
What a beautiful daughter you had and all the accomplishments she had done in a short 22 years. God needed an angel. We all know God got one. I have fond memories of holding, feeding and maybe even changed a diaper when Catherine was a newborn. We always new of her wonderful accomplishments from grandma Nancy. We are keeping you in our prayers. Love to all, Dixie and Dan
Loretta Thomas
November 10, 2007
I did not know your beautiful daughter, but I too had a wonderful son that his life here on earth was cut very short. Your life will never be the same, but you must dwell on all the good and the time you had with her. God bless you her family and give you the courage to go on. My heart is saddened for all of you.
Bette Terry
November 10, 2007
David and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and Robert's family at this time. Although it has been many years since college, I remember you and your brother fondly.
Shirley England
November 10, 2007
To the family of Catherine Barclift. I am so sorry to hear of her untimely death. I am a very old friend of Faye McCormack McRight of Florence, Alabama. I have a granddaughter who is at Auburn University at eighteen years old. I read your daughters obituary and thought what a wonderful life she had. I want to tell you that you did a wonderful job raising your daughter. I pray that you all can get through this and know that God had other plans for this outstanding girl.
Shirley England
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Make a Donation
in Catherine Barclift's name
Memorial Events
for Catherine Barclift
How to support Catherine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Catherine Barclift's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
