Catherine L McCarty

Catherine L. McCarty, 88, was born on September 5, 1937, in Union City, Arkansas, to the late John and Mattie Ferguson. She passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Catherine devoted her life to faith, family, and service. As a pastor's wife, she embraced every aspect of that calling with grace and commitment. Her life centered on the church and her husband's ministry, where she taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, faithfully attended services, and often helped prepare Wednesday night suppers. Serving others through the church was a central and defining part of her life.

In addition to her devotion to family and ministry, Catherine dedicated her professional career to education. She worked for many years as a secretary and spent the final 20 years of her career as Executive Secretary at the St. Johns County School District in St. Augustine. In this role, she worked closely with teachers, principals, and school board members, relationships she valued deeply. She took great pride in her work and retired at the age of 73.

Catherine loved living in St. Augustine and especially enjoyed walking through the historic district. Despite the many demands of being a pastor's wife, a mother, and a full-time professional, she always made time for the things she loved. She was an accomplished Southern cook who generously shared her recipes with her daughter and granddaughter. She maintained an organic vegetable garden and took great care in canning and freezing food for her family. Her sweet pickles even earned a blue ribbon at the Putnam County Fair.

An avid gardener, Catherine delighted in growing roses, African violets, and orchids. She had a lifelong curiosity about the natural world and set a personal goal of learning the names of as many flowers, trees, and shrubs as possible.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Cathy (Gregg) Simmons; her son, David (Amy) Futch; her sister, Dorothy Brasher; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Penney Farms Retirement Community: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QA7MM5S8J6PLS