Katherine Springs Cathey

Cathelene (aka Katherine) Springs-Cathey, the eldest of seven children born to Mose and Piney Smith Parson was born on October 10, 1921, in Wadesboro, North Carolina. She transitioned to eternal life on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, while residing in Riverdale, Georgia at the home of her daughter, Shelia.

Cathelene was preceded in death by all her siblings – Walter, Musether, Shirley, Charles, Flora, and Lawrence.  Mose and Piney Parson were strong God-fearing people who brought their children up in a home, deeply rooted in Christian values. All of them accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior early in their lives and were baptized in the Christian faith while attending Flat Rock Baptist Church in Wadesboro, N.C. Grandfather, Jacob Parson, was one of the founding members of Flat Rock where family members continue to worship.

Born during what has come to be known as the “Greatest Generation,” that period between 1900 and 1924, Cathelene encompassed the values of her generation who did not do things for recognition, but rather because it was “the right thing” to do. As the oldest, Cathelene (affectionately called Cat), was called on to assume a significant role with household management and care of the younger children. This early responsibility would serve to lay groundwork for her life as she quit school in favor of employment in order to supplement the family income.  She worked at various jobs in the service industry and honed skills for life-long benefit to others.

Katherine’s exceptional homemaker skills and generous spirit became the anchor of the Springs family when she met and married Robert Springs. For 43+ years, until his death in July 1991, she was his loyal, loving, and supportive companion. Their children, Shelia and Patricia Ann, were the primary recipients of Katherine’s selfless spirit. She became a devoted stay-at-home mom to personally care for them during their early years. Home-cooked meals accompanied by dessert were the order of the day. She worked hard to provide a structured, nurturing, warm, safe, and supportive environment for the family. She was able to strike a balance between her softer side and her “no-nonsense” side that would quickly administer discipline when necessary.

Robert and Katherine Springs became members of Salem Baptist Church, now known as The Connecting Place at Greater Salem, where both their children were baptized and began their Christian education. Katherine served in several areas of ministry including what was then the Missionary Department; the Culinary Service Ministry and sang in both the Hymn Choir and Gospel Chorus.  During the latter years of her attendance, she was enthusiastic and loved attending midday Bible study with other seniors. She remained a faithful, committed member until her health failed. At the time of her death, Katherine was the oldest member of The Connecting Place at Greater Salem.

Following the death of her first husband, love and marriage found their way into Katherine’s life for a second time when in July 1995, she married Albirtus Alexander Cathey, a long-time family friend and deacon at Greater Salem Church. Like hers, Albirtus’ children, Franzel, Amelia, Barbara, Antonia and Denise were adults, so Katherine and Albirtus were able to benefit and enjoy life as “empty nesters.”   They enjoyed a serene God-centered life, with Sunday dinner (ready when they got home from church), travel, sharing milestone events (graduations/weddings) of the grandchildren and hosting holiday get-togethers for their blended families. Albirtus died in April 2011; stepson, Franzel transitioned in October 2022.

Left to celebrate and cherish fond memories are daughters, Shelia Stowers (William) of Riverdale, Georgia and Patricia Springs of Southfield, Michigan; stepdaughters, Amelia Cathey Skipwith of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Barbara Cathey Cameron of Durham, North Carolina,  Denise Cathey of Charlotte, North Carolina; stepson, Antonia Cathey (Marilyn) of Charlotte, North Carolina; one sister-in-law, Wilet Parson of Wadesboro, North Carolina; two grandchildren, William Robert Stowers (Tracey) and Paula Stowers Farmer (David); three great-grandchildren, David V, William and Willeah Farmer; two bonus great-grandchildren, Patiennce and Makyle Besley; and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and church members who comprised her loving and supportive “village.”