Mr. Marvin Joe Cathey

On Sunday, February 3, 2013, Mr. Marvin Joe Cathey completed his life journey and transitioned from earth to eternal rest. He was born in Bells, Tennessee on November 12, 1928 through the marital union of Jodie Cathey and Bessie Mae Hess Cathey. He was preceded in death by his parents, biological brothers Calvin Roger Cathey, Billy Ruffin Cathey, Willie Ross Cathey, and lifelong brother and friend Alton W. Jarmon. He was educated in the Crockett County Schools system and was a 1948 graduate of Central. High School. A proud Lane College graduate, he received his B.S. degree in 1954 with a concentration in Math and Chemistry. Throughout his life Mr. Cathey exemplified the character of a man whose purpose and intent was to serve others. He served his family as a devoted and doting husband, father and grandfather. On Nov. 1, 1947 he married the love of his life, Vermon Huddleston Cathey and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage together. The Lord blessed them with four children and there was never anything too hard or complicated for him to do to meet his family's needs and his goal to finance his children's college education. While working as a Teacher, Shoe Salesman, Custodian, Cotton Picker, Mill Worker, Cook, Hotel Manager, Factory Worker, and Highway Construction Worker, he demonstrated by example strong work ethics which helped him achieve his goals. He served his country honorably from 1950 -1952 as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Conflict. He was assigned to Gen. George Patton's "Hell on Wheels" field artillery unit, stationed in Germany, and honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. He served his community through his various work assignments and affiliations. He touched countless numbers of lives throughout his 34- year elementary school and Math teaching career. He taught at Poplar Forrest Elementary, Mason Grove Elemenary, Central High, Alamo, TN, West High, and South Side Jr. and Sr. High schools. He also taught a number of years in the Lane College Upward Bound College Preparatory program. His spirit of encouraging and inspiring his students to do and be their best was the foundation of his teaching career. For almost 40 years his customer service skills as a Shoe Sales Associate at J.C. Penney exemplified his passion for satisfying and serving others. He was inducted in 1950 into the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Kappa Sigma Chapter at Lane College. A proud "Omega Man", the fraternity's cardinal principles of manhood, uplift, scholarship, and perseverance reflected his own ideals about the characteristics of true manhood and service. He served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ throughout his journey as a faithful servant in the church. A lifelong Methodist, he accepted Christ at an early age at Fairview C.M.E. Church, Bells, Tennessee where he served as a youth Sunday school teacher and choir member. After moving to Jackson, Tennessee in 1953 he joined Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church where he became an active member and church leader. This close -knit church family supported him and his family throughout his Christian walk and ultimate health decline. He served on the Trustee Board, Steward Board, and was the publisher of the church bulletins for many years until his health declined. His greatest love of singing was established through his membership in the Lane Tabernacle Male Chorus. A founding member, he continued to sing for 58 years until his health declined and faithfully supported the Male Chorus who continue to honor and glorify God through their songs of praise. At the close of his journey, he was always positive, always encouraging, and ever mindful that he had lived a blessed life. "There is no doubt in my mind that I've been blessed: God has been good to me.!" He leaves to cherish his blessed legacy a loving and devoted wife, Vermon Huddleston Cathey, four children, Marvin Dennis Cathey, Sr. of Nashville, TN., Sandra L. Brady (Alfred, Sr.) of Nashville, TN, Vermon Renee Sharpe of Memphis, TN, Cheryl C. Cathey of Memphis, TN; three grandchildren, Marvin Dennis Cathey, Jr. of Nashville, TN., Alfred L. Brady, Jr. (Kearea) of Nashville, TN., and Alan Brady of Nashville, TN.; two great-grandchildren, Marvae Cathey of Nashville, TN. and Jada Cathey of Seattle, WA.; one brother, Rev. Craig Cathey (Ora) of Humboldt, TN; three sisters, Debbie Cathey Jones of Denmark, TN., Terry Cathey Black(Robert) of Bells, TN., and Sheron Cathey Robertson (Odell) of Bells, TN.; one brother-in-law, Charlie Lee Huddleston of Cleveland, OH; his sons in the faith who supported him during his illness, Raymond Cunningham, Jr., Bobby Cunningham, Melvin Ewell, Gregory Jarmon and Craig Davis, and a host of loving cousins, church family and friends.

Mr. Marvin Joe Cathey

November 12, 1928 - February 3, 2013