Coridean Andrews Cathey was born December 11th,1935, in Hamilton, Texas, to Alvie Carlisle Andrews and Clara Audrey Blackwell Andrews. She was the 4th of 16 children born to this union. She passed away on May 10th at the age of 89.
She grew up in Hamilton, where she learned the meaning of perseverance and resilience. Long days spent picking cotton beneath the hot sun and quiet evenings helping her mother care for her younger siblings shaped not only her work ethic but the compassionate, determined woman she would become.
She married the love of her life, Bobby Lee Cathey, on February 20th, 1962, and God blessed them with 62 years together.
She became a nurse and devoted her life to caring for others, serving in a variety of roles where she treated patients, young and old, with the respect and dignity they deserved. She worked at the Hamilton General Hospital, among various nursing facilities, and finally as a private nurse for Maybelle and Seth Moore, whom she loved dearly. Her work ethic was unmatched; she picked up shifts wherever and whenever she was needed, whether it was day or night. Even without a car, she would walk to and from work without complaint, driven by her deep sense of purpose. And if she ever felt someone was neglecting a patient or failing to give them proper care, with unwavering conviction, she’d remind them, 'The good Lord will deal with you, be it ever so severe.’
She loved to sing, she fiercely loved her family - from her husband, to brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and her own children and grandchildren. It was these grandchildren that she doted upon. She would serve them ice cream for breakfast and quickly tell their parents that it has milk in it, so it’s healthy. She would help gather every blanket and pillow in the house to build her famous pillow forts. She would make chocolate gravy and homemade biscuits that were all the kids' and grandkids' favorite treat.
She was the very definition of selflessness. No one ever left her home empty-handed, whether it was a warm meal, a kind word, or something she thought you might need, she gave freely and without hesitation. Rarely did she spend money on herself, yet she never thought twice about buying something for someone else. Her heart was wired to give. Putting others first wasn’t something she tried to do, it was simply who she was.
She was a fierce protector and tireless worker whose humble heart and selfless spirit touched everyone she met. Her kindness flowed freely, unless you wronged her or someone she loved; her joy was contagious, and her life was a testament to quiet strength, boundless love, and unwavering generosity.
She is survived by children Bobby Lee Cathey, Jr. and wife Teresa of Tyler, Texas, Joe Cathey and wife Michele of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, Johnny Cathey and wife Michelle of Lubbock, Texas, and Tammy Wagner and husband Doug of Hamilton, Texas. Grandchildren: Blake Cathey and wife Katie, Ethan Cathey, Sara Cathey, Emily Wagner and fiancé Ben, Caleb Wagner and wife, Jaileigh, Jacey Cathey, Abigail Cathey, Hagan Cathey, and Asa Cathey. Great Grandchild Koen Mannis-Cathey. She is also survived by siblings Clara Lancaster of Hamilton, Mary Brumbalow of Hamilton, Naomi Weems of Waco, Esther Milloy of Hamilton, Kenneth Andrews of Hamilton, sister Brenda Edwards and husband Jimmie Don of Hamilton, and brother-in-law Joey Cathey and wife Judy of Carlsbad, New Mexico.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby, daughter, Robbie Gail, as well as her parents and siblings, Rick Andrews, Dalton Andrews, Bert Andrews, Bernard Andrews, Marvin Andrews, Ruth Jones, Audrey Meade, Charlene Kirkland, and Doris Donald.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Goodfellows of Hamilton, The Hamilton Community Center- PO Box 615, or the charity of your choice.
