Cathy Mills Wilson

Cathy Ann Wilson was born on August 5, 1943, in Shelby, Ohio, to Doris Laturner and George Mills, Cathy was the middle child of five siblings. She had two brothers, Dicky and John, and two sisters, Betty and Pat. Cathy grew up in Galion, Ohio, where she lived until she was 27. She then moved to Waco, Texas, where she worked as a receptionist for a Christian book company. It was in Waco that she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Olando Wilson.

Cathy and Jim married on March 24, 1973, and were blessed with a son, Jason “Bear” Olando Wilson, in 1974. In 1975, they moved from Waco to Red Oak, Texas, and welcomed their daughter, Jerene Wilson, in 1979. Seeking new opportunities, they relocated to Missouri City, Texas, in 1980, where Jim became a shareholder in a forklift company. In 1982, they founded Southwest Forklift, beginning a new chapter in their lives.

The Wilson family spent most of their married life in Quail Valley. Cathy was an involved mother, becoming a team manager for Jerene’s softball team. The family also volunteered for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Cathy served as a volunteer for 25 years, becoming a lifetime member. They were active members of the Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, and Cathy was a founding member of a babysitting co-op, which she participated in from 1980 until 1993. Through these communities, they forged lasting friendships.

Their family continued to grow when Jerene married Josh Faulkner in 2005, followed by Bear's marriage to Julia Shackford in 2008. In 2020, Cathy and Jim moved to Tomball, Texas, to be closer to their grandchildren, Josephine and Jonathon Olando. Cathy embraced her new role as “Bammy” and loved attending their ball games and activities. As a grandmother, she was supportive, loving, and encouraging.

In 2010, following the tragic loss of their daughter Jerene, her widower, Josh, became a shareholder in Southwest Forklift. Cathy continued to treat him as her son-in-law and part of the family.

Though we mourn Cathy’s sudden loss, we find comfort in the cherished memories she left behind. Her legacy of unconditional love, generosity, and kindness will be carried on by all who know her.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Doris and George; her brothers, Dicky and John; her brothers-in-law, Willie (husband of Pat) and Tres (husband of Betty); and her beloved daughter and best friend, Jerene. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jim Wilson; her son Bear and his wife Julia; her grandchildren Josephine and Jonathon; her sisters Betty and Pat; and her nieces Chelle and her husband Kevin and Laura.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers during Saturday’s service are Gary Parks, Jay Pennison, Josh Faulkner, Ron Capehart, Kevin Hartman and Steve Squires.

A visitation for Cathy will be held on Thursday, January 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.

A funeral service will occur on Friday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m., in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford.

A graveside service will occur on Saturday, February 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Cemetery, 381 CR 1245, Whitney, Texas 76692.