Cathy Oliver Vanderford
SEPTEMBER 4, 1950 – NOVEMBER 2, 2023
Our beloved mom, Gran, teacher, and friend completed her Earthly race on Thursday, November 2, 2023. She is now healed and is rejoicing in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, worshiping alongside Jim, and awaiting our arrival to join them.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at Church of the Highlands in Gadsden for Ms. Cathy Vanderford, 73, of Southside, Alabama. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, with a celebration and worship service to follow. Officiating her service will be Pastor Mark Price. A family graveside service will be at Rainbow Memorial Gardens.
Ms. Vanderford grew up in Gadsden, AL, and after graduating from Gadsden High School in 1968, she attended Jacksonville State University where she met her husband Jim and completed her degree in music. She dedicated her life to caring for and encouraging students. She began teaching music at John Jones Elementary and then moved to Southside Elementary where she taught third grade for more than 30 years. After retirement, she continued her ministry by teaching piano to students at Westbrook Christian School.
Cathy’s greatest passion in life was serving her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and she always wanted to extend His love through her generosity toward others. She was a diligent prayer warrior and encourager. She wanted everyone, especially her students, to know they were valued and loved. She was a cheerful giver of the blessings the Lord entrusted her with. She loved serving at Church of the Highlands and was involved in a variety of ministry teams there.
She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who adored her family and enjoyed spending time with them. Ms. Cathy was a talented pianist. She loved the crisp autumn air and fall colors, and enjoyed vacationing to the beach and mountains.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Margaret Oliver, and her husband Jim. Survivors include her brother Greg (Mary) Oliver, her sons, Jacob (Brittney), and John (Emily), and her four grandchildren, Jackson, JT, Carolina, and Luke.
Pallbearers will be Stace Beecham, Clark Greer, Carl Hunter, Chris Mahy, Matt Kennedy, and Chris White. Honorary Pallbearers will be the faculty and staff of Westbrook Christian School.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westbrook Christian School or to the Jim Vanderford Technical Scholarship Fund at Gadsden State Community College.
A special word of gratitude for those who cared so kindly for Cathy during her recent health challenges at Grandview Medical Center: Dr. Matthew Tucker, Dr. Russell Beaty, Dr. Elizabeth Kuhn, the team from ProHealth Hospice, and the many others who oversaw her care at Grandview.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Vanderford family.
