Mary Elizabeth Cato

She was born March 8, 1935, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Robert C. and Vivian B. Barnes. Also known as "Mimi,” Elizabeth graduated in 1953 from Phillips High School in Birmingham where she was a member of the Graduate Choir, Honor Society, and was named Class Poet. She enjoyed playing piano, singing, writing, and reciting poetry.

After high school, Elizabeth worked as a secretary for the vice president of The Bank for Savings in downtown Birmingham. She attended Howard College, now known as Samford University, and Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now named Auburn University, Schools of Education and Business Accounting.

In 1957, she married Edron L. Cato of Trafford, Alabama, and became a loving homemaker. They moved to Hoover, Alabama, in 1966 where they attended Green Valley Baptist Church. Elizabeth enjoyed spending time with her children and family, growing irises and pansies in her garden, cooking delicious food, and frying the fresh fish Edron loved to catch.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Robert C. and Vivian B. Barnes; sister, Vivien Barnes Cummings; brother-in-law, Houston Cummings; and her husband of 48 years, Edron L. Cato, who passed away in 2005.

She is survived by her brother, Robert (Judy) Barnes; sister, Mrs. Patricia Gillespie; five children, Michael (Rita) Cato, Linda (David) Wurstner, Cindy Cato, Douglas (Melissa) Cato, and Susan (Guil) Crocker; four grandchildren, Alex (Nikki) Wurstner, Rachel Wurstner, Kayla (Brandon) Light Yeager, and Gwendolyn (David Allen) Cato; five great-grandchildren, Travis Wurstner, Lana Yeager, Trevin Yeager, Gavin Yeager, and Charles Allen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.

A service of remembrance will be held at Southern Heritage in Pelham, Alabama, on Sunday, April 16, 2023. The visitation will begin at 2:00 PM with the service following at 3:00 PM, officiated by Dr. Lisa G. Davis. Burial will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.