Cathy Britton Beasley, 64, passed away Dec. 21, 2017. She was born on April 18, 1953, in Lester, Alabama to Brodia and Opal Fleming Britton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dalton Britton; her sister, Annette Bates; and her nephew, Jimmy Bates.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Craig Beasley; nephews, Johnny (Pam) Bates, of West Limestone, and Thomas (Lauren) Beasley, of Maryland; nieces, Tammy (Randy) Moss, of West Limestone, and Paula (Jeromey) Hand, of West Limestone; brothers-in-law, Bearl (Elysse) Beasley, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Brad Beasley, of Nashville Tennessee; and a host of friends she held as close as family.
Cathy graduated from Lauderdale County High School in 1971 delivering the salutatory address at her graduation ceremony. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Alabama in 1975 majoring in English. While a student at UNA, she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, English honorary, Phi Kappa Phi, national honorary, and Alpha Sigma Lambda, women’s service sorority.
After graduation from UNA, Cathy joined the staff of the Athens News Courier as lifestyle editor where she won honorable mention at the 1976 annual Alabama Press Association convention for best women’s page. Cathy left the News Courier to travel in Europe with college friend Jeanne Wells Cook and on her return joined the staff of the Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro, Tennessee as Today’s People editor.
Cathy and Craig met while they were both working at the Daily News Journal. They were married Aug. 19, 1978, and returned to Alabama the next year. They were married for 39 years.
Cathy was a member of the Athens Garden Club and a member and officer of the Friends of Athens Limestone County Public Library. She was a past member of Keep Athens Limestone County Beautiful and was an active volunteer in the community. She grew up attending Cedar Grove Church of Christ.
Cathy gained great satisfaction and joy from planting and tending to herbs and flowers every growing season. She was a gentle, loving, and giving person. Thoughtful and attentive to others, she was always mindful of their well being.
Cathy had a deep love and care for animals. She adored cats and was devoted to Fiver, who was the family’s pet cat for 22 years, and to Betty, an adventurous stray kitten who claimed her heart seven years ago.
There will be a memorial service for Cathy on Jan. 6, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Spry Funeral Home in Athens with Kenny Baskins and Bill Perkins officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Athens Limestone County Public Library Foundation or to the River Welker Charitable Fund which assists eligible applicants whose pets need medical attention. For more information, contact Town and Country Animal Hospital.
Cathy’s family is exceedingly grateful for those who have reached out to comfort them. She was well-loved and is greatly missed.
