Cathey Jo Black Crowder

Known affectionately as “Cathey Jo” by her parents, brothers and cousins, she was born on January 31, 1970 to Donald and JoAnn (Phifer) Black of Charlotte, NC. Cathey graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in 1988 as a proud member of the Marching Band and Honor Society. Cathey attended Kings College and began her career with Day and Zimmerman, an engineering firm, working in the accounting department. Cathey stayed with this company until she transitioned with her loyal boss and close friend to PBS&J, another engineering firm. Cathey has held a project analyst position with this company through its many consolidations as Atkins, now a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group. Cathey was loved and well thought of by all whom she encountered in her professional life.

While Cathey was a dedicated employee, her favorite jobs in the whole world were being a mom to her two girls, Ashley and Jessey, and being a Nana to her precious granddaughter, Aubrey. She raised her girls to be strong, fearless and able to face anything. These life lessons are how her daughters plan to carry on and honor her memory. Cathey was fiercely loyal and protective of her family, whether that be her daughters and granddaughter, or her parents and brothers. Cathey was a rock for her parents as they aged.

Cathey was a wonderful friend, who could pick and joke with you for hours, but would still be available for anything you needed at any time.

Cathey grew up in Charlotte, NC and was a proud product of CMS schools. Cathey attended Chapman Memorial Baptist Church for many years where she taught Sunday School, lead Girls in Action, and volunteered with the Youth Group. Cathey also attended Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church with her daughters in their teen years and was an active supporter of the Youth Group. Cathey lived in Charlotte her whole life, a rare feat these days. In the past few years, Cathey had taken an active role on the Board of her Homeowner’s Association.

Cathey is survived by her daughters Ashley Crowder (Roman) and Jessey Crowder (Matt), her most favorite girl in the world, her granddaughter Aubrey Huddleston, her parents Donald V. and JoAnn Phifer Black, her brothers Donald “Donnie” E. Black and Charles “Charlie” Black. Cathey is also survived by her Aunt Clayton Honeycutt, her cousins Beverly Butlin (Marc) and James “Jimmy” Black. To also cherish her memory, Cathey leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

The family asks that anyone attending the services on Monday April 24, 2023 to please come as you are. Cathey would not have wanted a somber and sad day, and accordingly the family plans to celebrate all that Cathey was and honor her memory by wearing orange, her favorite color.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support that has been shown as they navigate a new reality without Cathey’s physical presence. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Isabella Santos Foundation (a cause that was dear to Cathey’s heart).