Cathy "Shug" Harris McCleary

On Friday, January 5, 2024, Cathy "Shug" Harris McCleary, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away too soon at the age of 65 in Abilene, Texas.

Cathy, affectionately known as "Shug", was born on September 8, 1958, to loving parents John Wayne and Barbara Harris in Abilene, Texas. As the only daughter of her siblings, she was a natural caregiver and nurturer, always looking out for her brothers, Gary, and Scott. This nurturing spirit extended into her own family life, where she, alongside her husband Scott McCleary, raised four daughters, Anna-Kate, Kelli, Jordan, and Molly. Cathy, Scott and her first husband, Dale, along with his wife, Rosemary Edwards, exemplified the art of co-parenting through shared vacations and celebrations.

Her unwavering faith and love for family and Jesus served as guiding lights throughout her life. When she wasn't working or "picking up somebody's crackers", she loved the mountains, music, watching Hallmark Christmas movies and TV Classics, cooking, and spending time with her family every summer at Fun Valley Resort in South Fork, Colorado. Cathy cherished every moment spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and dogs, and made sure to create happy memories that would last a lifetime.

In March of 1989, Cathy married the love of her life, Scott McCleary and with her steadfast faith, she profoundly influenced his life, leading him to Christ.

Determined and never one to shy away from a challenge, she woke up one morning and decided to enroll in college. While raising four young daughters and running her own full-time business, she graduated from McMurry University, earning a degree in Sociology with a 4.0, and full honors.

Ever eager for new challenges, Cathy obtained a broker's license and ventured into real estate with her father, John Wayne, running Tejas Ranch Properties and sold farm and ranch real estate all over Texas. Cathy then discovered a love for teaching when she began substitute teaching for AISD and continued to do so for ten years, making many friends along the way. She had a special fondness for working with the special needs children and Early Head-Start children. Her favorite classes to teach were wherever her grandkids were.

In June of 2021, she and her brother, Scott Harris, co-founded 160 Promotions specializing in brand building.

Away from work, Cathy loved road trips with her husband and dogs to their favorite destinations, Taos, Santa Fe, and Colorado. Above all, time with her family and her relationship with Jesus was the most precious to her.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father, John Wayne Harris of Abilene, son-in-law, Cody Soloman and nephew, Chris Harris.

She is survived by her husband, Scott McCleary; daughters, Anna-Kate Mathis and husband Travis of Abilene, Kelli Esposito and husband Zac of Arlington, Jordan Graves and husband Chris of Burleson and Molly Solomon of Abilene; she is also survived by her mother, Barbara Harris of Abilene and brothers, Gary Harris and wife Laura, and Scott Harris; aunt, Ruby Nell and husband Hank Sheppard. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Layla, Jude, and Crosby Mathis of Abilene, Rocco, and Austin Esposito of Arlington, Ty, and Logan Graves of Burleson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that you consider donating to All Kind Animal Initiative, www.allkindabilene.org

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Broadview Baptist Church, 2500 South 27th St. Abilene.