Gastonia, North Carolina

Cathy Culpepper Harvey died peacefully at home following a long illness on January 10th. Born June 24th, 1950 in Lousville, Kentucky to missionary parents, Dr. Robert and Kathleen Culpepper. She soon sailed to their missionary assignment in Fukuoka, Japan.

Cathy embraced the culture, growing up in Japan. She became fluent in the language, learned Sumei painting and ikebana flower arranging. As a teenager, she became a TV host on Japan's KBCTV, then went to on to model for Dentsu Advertising. Cathy studied art at Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan.

Cathy came back to America to attend Hollins College in Roanoke, VA. She earned her PH Beta Kappa Key and graduated Cum Laude in studio art and art history. Over the years, Cathy's paintings found their way to many Charlotte and Gastonia homes and businesses.

Her skill as an artist was surpassed only by her love and caring as a mother, wife and home maker. Cathy is survived by her husband, Ken and six children, Shelton Wilder McCuthchen, Beau Wilder, Charlotte Harvey, Chip Harvey, Matthew Harvey, and Laurel Smith. The children blessed Cathy and Ken with six wonderful grandchildren.

Cathy also used her talents to spread a little sunshine. She conditioned event flowers, then delivered them to shut ins and nursing home residents. Never knowing a stranger, she was funny and always happy and positive.

She was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Gastonia. Cathy will be remembered a great friend and beautiful person.

A funeral service will be Wednesday, January 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Gastonia with a burial at Gaston Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens or All Saints Episcopal Church, Gastonia.

Condolence messages may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Harvey family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jan. 11, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Cathy Harvey

20 Entries

Johnny

January 5, 2022

What a lovely human being. She was smart, funny and a treasure to those who knew her. She will always be missed.

Jan Craft

January 5, 2021

I was just talking about Cathy the other day....What a personality!!! I miss seeing her big smile.

Kathy Bowles Coppedge

January 21, 2019

Sincere sympathy to the family. Wishing you peace and comfort during this sad time. Cathy was my second cousin. My maternal Grandmother was Alma Sanderson.

January 17, 2019

Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.2THESSALONIANS 2:17&18.

Ben Y.

January 17, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. From what Shelton has shared about Cathy, she was such a tremendous light. Much love, warm thoughts and prayers to your family. (friend of Shelton)

HELENE KEYZER

January 16, 2019

Ken,
Richard and I send our heartfelt condolences. Kathy was such a joy and special person. I remember with fondness our first meeting and the bonds we shared. You and your family made our time in Gastonia so special. We wish you and your family strength . If you or your family are ever in the Boston area please feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,

Helene and Richard.

Jane Hansjergen

January 15, 2019

I remember Cathy well from my days as a "Dorm Kid" at Canadian Academy, in Kobe Japan. I was a young, shy and awkward 7th grader. She was older, wiser and revered. She always welcomed me when I sought refuge in her presence and came to my defense often when I was being teased for some silly, clueless thing I had done. Always gracious and kind, silly and crazy, I remember her best for her dazzling smile!

Jan Craft Chambers

January 15, 2019

Cathy was such a joy to be with. I so enjoyed the energy and us trying to talk at the same time about what ever subject we were on. We shared the love of Art and what was going on in the world of art! I will always remember Cathy with that big beautiful smile, gorgeous dark hair, and a stylish cool hat. I have a lovely photo saved on my phone, and I smile big everytime I look at it because of HER big smile.
Love and Peace to you Ken, children, and grandchildren.

susan callaway

January 15, 2019

i grew up with cathy. she was the best.i wish i was good at reconnecting...i always missed her in my heart.miss and deeply love you cathy..susan callaway

Jackie Matthews

January 15, 2019

I knew Cathy from our memorable student days at Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan and our blissful summers at Lake Nojiri in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. We became close friends as roommates in the Canadian Academy dormitory when I was a senior and she a junior. Cathy was so vivacious, beautiful inside and out and so talented in art and theatre and more. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Culpepper and Harvey families.

JOHN ENLOE

January 14, 2019

Cathy was both a classmate of mine at Canadian Academy and a beautiful human being. I have many wonderful memories of times spent with Cathy in Kobe at school and at Nojiri-Ko during the summers as we were growing up. The world is lessened by her loss.

Crystal Simmons

January 13, 2019

Mr.Harvey, Charlotte, Shelton,Chip,Beau, Matthew and Laurel. I am so sorry for your loss. Cathy was a Joy to take care of. I am going to miss her.I have learned alot form her . I will truly miss her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love Crystal

William & Priscilla Graham

January 13, 2019

We will remember your joyful laughter and generosity of spirit. Rest in eternal peace sister

S. David Moche

January 12, 2019

Dear Ken and all the wonderful children and grandchildren,

We have missed you and your life events these last few years and were so sorry to read the news of Cathy's passing. She will be remembered as a wonderful friend (from 9th grade) and hostess when we visited Gastonia. Ken, you have been a wonderful partner to Cathy and friend to me. We have missed you both at our reunions but would be delighted if you would make plans to come to the next one. It would be a wonderful way to remember Cathy. I welcome the opportunity to visit with you in the very near future. David

Nan Tauscher

January 12, 2019

Mr. Harvey, Shelton, Charlotte, Beau, Chip, Matthew and Laurel: I am so sorry. Cathy was such a joy to be around. She was so much more than a lady to care for, she became my friend. I will truly miss her kindness and fun-loving ways. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Nan

Carol Hauer

January 11, 2019

She was one of the friendliest, most energetic and enthusiastic people I've ever known. Cathy had a passion for so many things and was a great storyteller. Her sense of humor and love of fun was contagious. I will always be grateful for the welcome she gave me to Gastonia and to Lee Street. She loved that we were both Hollins grads and I know she is organizing some fantastic social events in heaven:) She adored her children and I am so sorry Ken for your loss and theirs.

Ms. Sowell

January 11, 2019

Cathys kind and generous heart will be remembered by so many. May the God of comfort and peace strengthen you during this difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences.

January 11, 2019

Ken, Shelton Beau and family,
I am so sad for your loss. She certainly fought hard, and wanted to be in the middle of life! I am grateful I got to see her in June! We love you, and are praying for God's comfort for each of you!
Love,
Carol and Fred Smith

Patricia Rogers

January 11, 2019

Dear Shelton, Beau, Charlotte, Chip, Matt, Laurel, and Ken,
We are so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful woman. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Joe and Patti Rogers, Topsail Beach, NC

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