Catherine Cathey

Catherine “Mama C” Cathey, age 96, passed from this world Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Catherine was born in Lorenzo, TX to Mary Frances and William Berkley Dillard on August 10, 1920. She graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, leading the way for her children and grandchildren to follow in her footsteps. She later earned her Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling at Hardin Simmons University. Catherine married Lewis Calvin Ellis III and together they had a son Lewis “Cotton” Ellis. Catherine’s husband Lewis was shot down in battle over Brunswick, Germany, and she later reunited with and married her high school sweetheart, Alden “Cat Daddy” Cathey. During their 61 years of marriage, Catherine and Alden enjoyed spending their time vacationing with friends, playing golf, dancing, and traveling to A&M and Texas Tech football games. A long-time resident of Abilene and employed by Abilene Independent School District, Catherine served as a Special Education Counselor and Supervisor. After her retirement, Catherine came back to work as a Special Education Consultant for Region 14. Catherine gave back to her community in various ways. She held many offices in both the Delta Delta Delta Alumni chapter of Abilene and The Junior League of Abilene as well as playing a big role in the West Texas Rehab Center. Catherine most enjoyed being a steadfast member, Elder and Sunday school teacher at Westminster Presbyterian. Later in life, she became a faithful attendee of Bible Study Fellowship. Cheerful and unpretentious, Catherine was a woman of deep faith and the spiritual leader for family and friends. Catherine usually kept a Bible close to her and shared her faith with others. Over several generations, Catherine was often seen around town at sporting events rarely missing a chance to watch a member of her family participate in games, pep rallies and track meets. Catherine’s presence will be missed on this earth, but family members who have gone before will greet her with smiles as she leaves this world behind. Catherine is survived by her cherished grandchildren: Taylor Seago; Brooke Seago Archibald; Whitney Seago Will and husband, Lance; Samantha Ellis; and Lewis Ellis. Great grandchildren include Hunter and Hudson Archibald, and her namesake, Mary Catherine Will. Catherine was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Lewis Ellis and Alden Cathey, and her children Cristy Cathey Seago and Lewis “Cotton” Ellis. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 3rd, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The committal service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4th, in Elmwood Memorial Park followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Pastor Chris Turner officiating. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Sue Gibson and the wonderful caregivers of Bethel Suites Homecare. Memorials can be made to Bethel Suites at 925 Kenwood Dr, Abilene, TX, 79601. “That is the best – to laugh with someone because you both think the same things are funny.” - Gloria Vanderbilt We will miss laughing with you, Catherine!