August 4, 1976 — September 13, 2023
As the daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of ministers, there is little wonder that Cathy Andrews grew up predisposed to helping people. Cathy’s giving spirit found expression in both her personal and professional lives. She volunteered over the years for several organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and Michigan. While serving with Kate’s Club in Atlanta, she was named volunteer of the year in 2017. She was generous with her time.
Cathy’s life journey began August 4, 1976, in Cleveland, Ohio, the firstborn child of Stephen B. and Henrietta Stith Andrews. She died suddenly on the morning of September 13th, the result of a pulmonary embolism. She was 47 years of age.
In 1979, the family moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she attended public schools through Jr. High School. In 1994 she graduated from White Plains High School, White Plains, New York. In 1998, Cathy graduated from West Chester University, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. It was during those years that she pledged Delta Phi Epsilon.
Professionally, Cathy established her niche in Human Resources. She worked in a series of positions before becoming a recruiter and trainer.
“Cat,” as she was affectionally called, began her professional career in Southfield, Michigan. Within a few years, she began working for Red Cross in Michigan and then moved to Atlanta, her dream city, and continued with Red Cross. Before her premature death, she had been employed by Grady Hospital.
Colleagues recall Cathy fondly for her dedication to her work and her punctilious spirit. She always went by the book and paid attention to the details, which made her an ideal trainer for new employees. If she was your friend, she was truly your friend, giving you sound advice even if you didn’t want to hear it.
Away from work, Cathy could be engaging and fun, her quiet inbred shyness giving way, especially among family and close friends. Her attention to detail made her essential to organizing and implementing the Parker Family Reunions. She was the connector who stayed in touch with everyone and loved making sure things were done “the right way.”
She loved the color pink, silver jewelry, shopping, concerts, movies, musical events, holidays, and good conversations. She enjoyed traveling and visited Colorado, California, Nevada and the eastern coast of Mexico. It was her dream to travel abroad.
Cathy loved sports and was a faithful fan of Sunday Night and Monday Night Football and always took the time to explain the games to anyone who asked questions. She played flag football and kick ball during her early years in Atlanta.
Cathy was predeceased by her father, Stephen B. Andrews, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, the Rev Henrietta S. Andrews, her brother, Stephen B. Andrews Jr., her nephew, Elijah M. Andrews, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service was held at First Congregational Church in Atlanta, GA on October 21, 2023.
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