Alice Cathey

Alice Rickman Cathey, 89, of Canton, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2008, at Silver Bluff Nursing Home after a brief illness. She was born November 7, 1918, in Franklin, the daughter of the late Oscar and Sissie Mason Rickman. She was educated at Western Carolina University and Winthrop University, graduating with her teaching certification in 1939. She met Daniel Ray Cathey when she arrived in Haywood County to begin her teaching career, and they wed in 1941. They were married for 32 years until Mr. Cathey's death in 1973. As a teacher of English, history and humanities, Mrs. Cathey taught over 5, 000 students during her 34 years in the Haywood County Public Schools, first at Bethel High School, and then at Pisgah High School where the schools consolidated. Her legacy of high expectations, caring for her fellow man, stewardship and giving to others will live on long after her death, as her students continue to share and pass on this legacy to their own children. She inspired countless young people throughout the years, many of who continue to express their thanks for her teachings and kindnesses. She will be remembered for her gentle wisdom and understanding humanity. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and sister, as well as an inspiration to everyone who was fortunate to know her. Mrs. Cathey is survived by her two sons, Robert Cathey and wife, Julie, of Canton, and Kenneth Cathey and wife, Barbara Jean, of Lexington, VA; one sister, Edith Rickman Honeycutt and husband, Charles, of Franklin; five grandchildren, Mark Cathey and wife, Katherine, of Roanoke, VA, Laura Cathey Hart and husband, Walter, of Stanley, NC, Jennifer Cathey of Asheville, Robin Cathey Bennett and husband, Mark, of Buford, GA, John Cathey and fiancee, Lynn Adcock, of Cartersville, GA; and five great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks for the help of special friends, Helen Neal, Norma Tyson and Joe Glover, throughout the last two years. Their care and love for Mrs. Cathey were indispensable and truly appreciated. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Reverend Riley Covin officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Wells Funeral Home in Canton. At Mrs. Cathey's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel Cemetery Fund, c/o Carl Ledford, 154 Kelly Springs Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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