Catherine Truss Hight

Catherine spent nearly the last decade of her life with only one leg. Doctors prepared her family that she would probably never leave the bed again, much less walk. She ignored them and did both. That last decade was filled with family dinners, great-grandkids sports, holidays and “any excuse for a party” events. With 17 stairs separating the driveway from the front door, it was a comical but routine sight to see Catherine in her wheelchair being carried Cleopatra-style into the house by any men handy. All while Catherine alternated between waving like a beauty queen and offering feedback to those doing the lifting. This type of tenacity and commitment to family defined her life and helped shape three generations behind her.

Catherine Ann Truss was born in 1925 to George and Ollie Truss and continued to be a lifelong resident of Birmingham. A graduate of Ensley High School and Auburn University, Catherine’s focus on community involvement was a constant throughout her life. In her younger years she was an Ensley High cheerleader, a Chi Omega sorority sister and a member of various clubs and organizations.

In 1948 she married John Hight. With her help he ran a successful drug store and they had two children; John Jr and Cathy. As an adult she continued to serve her community as a member of the Children’s Service League, her children’s PTAs, Meals on Wheels and through Trinity Methodist Church, of which she was a member for over 70 years. Knowing the importance of service, she would bring her children and grandchildren to serve with her whenever possible.

When not serving her community and caring for her family, Catherine was pursuing her lifelong passion for sewing. Her talent for making beautiful clothes won her awards in her teens and was put to use for as long as her hands allowed. While her daughter longed for trips to the department store rather than the fabric store, there was almost nothing Catherine couldn’t recreate. Her skill found new appreciation when her five grandchildren were born and she busied herself creating hand made wardrobes for the next generation. Her grandchildren always knew that her “walk-in closet turned sewing room” was a cave of wonders where any piece of fabric might turn into something special. She showed her family her love in all the care and time she took.

We are forever grateful for her influence. She will be missed and remembered by two children, five grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 11 am at Elmwood Cemetery. Guests are asked to arrive at Elmwood Chapel by 10:45 am to process to the graveside.