Jeannette CATHY

Jeannette McNeil Cathy, the wife of Chick-fil-A founder and chairman emeritus, S. Truett Cathy, died on July 22 at the age of 92. Cathy passed away at Piedmont Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Matriarch of one of the nation's largest family-owned companies, Cathy played a key role in her husband's business achievements, helping him nurture the Dwarf Grill (later renamed the Dwarf House), which he started in 1946, and launch the Chick-fil-A brand in 1967. Yet perhaps her most significant role has been as influencer and nurturer of her family's faith. Born Jeannette McNeil in 1922, Cathy grew up in Atlanta, where she first met her "childhood sweetheart" Truett Cathy when he was 8 years old. Cathy was raised by her mother, Ida Irene McNeil, and became a Christian at age 5. She was also a gifted dancer, singer and musician and received numerous invitations to perform at various churches and events. As a young adult, Cathy attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at a time when not many women were afforded the opportunity. Her marriage to Truett Cathy in 1948 thrived for 65 years. Driven by her faith and a passion to work with young people, Cathy taught Bible study classes to 13-year-old girls for more than 30 years. She was also known for her gift of southern hospitality, having entertained countless guests in her home through the years. Truett Cathy, who predeceased his wife in 2014, long credited her with strengthening his own faith, which helped shape the way he conducted his life and business. Basing his company's business model on biblical principles, all Chick-fil-A restaurants - without exception - operate with a "Closed-on-Sunday" policy. Jeannette Cathy is also credited with inspiring many of the philanthropic efforts that are today part of the Chick-fil-A legacy. Jeannette Cathy's contributions to her husband's life and business have been recognized in a number of ways: - In 2003, she and her husband jointly received the Norman Vincent Peale and Ruth Stafford Peale Humanitarian Award in recognition of their "positive difference in the quality of life in our society." - The Jeannette Cathy Children's Center, a childcare facility located on the Chick-fil-A corporate campus and available to Home Office employees, opened in July 2001 and is dedicated to the woman whose love for children inspired its creation. The center continues to expand to meet a growing need. - She and Truett Cathy share credit for the development of the WinShape Foundation and WinShape Homes®, a long-term foster care program serving more than 500 foster children in 13 homes in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. Cathy was a dedicated mother and grandmother to sons Dan T. and Donald M. "Bubba" Cathy; daughter Trudy Cathy White; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. A celebration service will be held in her honor at First Baptist Jonesboro on Saturday, July 25 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the Cathy family has asked that donations be made to WinShape Foundation, which Jeannette and Truett Cathy founded in 1984. The Foundation was created out of their shared desire to "shape winners" by strengthening families and helping young people succeed in life through scholarships and other youth-support programs. Donations can be sent to WinShape Foundation, Attn: Linda Hedgecock, 5200 Buffington Road, Atlanta, GA 30349.