Jane Applegate Cathey

In Loving Memory of Jane Applegate Cathey

Jane, 87, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and enduring memories.

Born on August 27, 1936, Jane was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother to her family, a cherished friend to many, and a pillar of her community. She touched the lives of all who knew her with her quick witted humor, warmth, compassion, unwavering spirit, and southern hospitality. She most loved having large family gatherings and holiday dinners.  She loved to travel and was blessed to see many places.Jane was born to Ruby Mae and Henry Basye in Hill County, Texas.  She was one of 5 children.  She married Bobby Dan in 1952 and together they had 4 children who were all raised in Hill County.  Bobby Dan passed away in 1996.  She later married Tom Cathey and lived out the remainder of her years in Covington.  

Throughout her life, Jane exemplified resilience, courage, and generosity always staying true to her roots.  She helped to establish a phone system for her local community and used the skills that she learned from her mother as a seamstress to help to provide for her family. Being from a generation where you never waste an opportunity for prosperity led her to use her entrepreneurial spirit to open a convenience store to further provide for her family and community.  She faced challenges from meager beginnings and rose with grace and determination always inspiring others with her strength and optimism.  Spanning the decades she lived from the pioneer days, through world wars, great economic depressions and walked gracefully into modern day living while taking on roles that women were not traditionally offered.  She was a role model for all who knew her and left a legacy for the women and children of her family to follow.

Jane is survived by husband, Tom Cathey; daughters Robin Johnson and Kristi Applegate Wilson; stepdaughters, Sheree Harmon and Debbie Totah; grandchildren, Rebecca Chalfant, Amy Godfrey and husband Jeff, Robert Barnes, Brandy Reed, Jodi Hawhee Bross, Luke Osborne, Jesse Lee, Regina Lee Duncan, Lauren Pethtel Keating, and Austin Pethtel; 18 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.Jane was preceded in death by husband, Bobby Dan Applegate; daughter, Sonja Applegate; son, Joe Dan Applegate; granddaughter, Lexi Osborne; sister Betty Basye; and brother, David Basye. A funeral service will be held in honor of  Jane Applegate Cathey at 1:00 on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Covington Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the funeral home.  Though her physical presence is no longer with us, Jane's spirit will live on in the memories and hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace in the House of The Lord.