Cathy Jean Whitacre

Cathy Jean Whitacre was born July 21, 1950, in Norwalk, Ohio to Melvin and Irene Jackson, both now deceased. On July 21, 1968, she married Gerry Lee Whitacre. Together they have two children. Rob L.Whitacre and Christina D. Barkley and four grandchildren: Hannah and Jared Whitacre, and Mikayla and Mattie Barkley.

She worked in several different areas including the secretary at the church of Christ Bible Chair at San Antonio College, manager for Frenzy's, and secretary at Arlington Christian School. Her greatest work was as a helpmeet to her husband and a mother to her children. She had peace in her life knowing that her children are faithful Christians following in the footsteps of her Lord. She enjoyed her role as "Nana" to her four grandchildren. She loved to teach them how to do things. Toward the end, she even taught them how to cook. Her greatest desire was for them to be faithful Christians.

Cathy's life is surrounded by the Lord. Her father served as a preacher and elder. All of her siblings are Christians. Her husband Gerry served as an elder at the Fayetteville church of Christ, a deacon at the Northern Oaks church of Christ, a Bible class teacher, and a mission worker. Her son is a Gospel preacher for the Willette church of Christ. Her daughter is a Bible class teacher. Her son-in-law is a Bible class teacher and a preacher. Her daughter-in-law is a Bible class teacher. Three of her grandchildren are already Christians. She served the Kingdom as a Bible class teacher for over 35 years in all levels. She conducted Teacher's Workshops in Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Scotland, Kentucky, and New Zealand with her daughter Christina and daughter-in-law Nicole. She spent time in the mission fields of Jamaica, Scotland, and New Zealand. Her greatest work was a as an elder's wife, consoling, comforting, and supporting. She conducted ladies days and taught ladies Bible classes.

She left this world far too early, but her impact is far greater than those who live much longer. Even at the end she expressed her Christ like spirit through Cathy's Corner, a blog she wrote every day after returning from the hospital. Her words literally inspired thousands. She leaves a legacy of Christianity that now her children and grand-children can continue. She had peace at the end as did her family. We all know that her reward is great and that if we are faithful, we will see her as she was, with no cancer, no tears, and no pain in the blessed Day of the Resurrection. She will be missed by all her family and friends.

Funeral services will be 1 pm Tuesday at New Hope Church of Christ with Bro. Joey Barkley, Matthew Gibson, Melvin Hutzler, Jr. and Greg Nash officiating. Interment will follow in the Jernigan Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 9 am until 1 pm at New Hope Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Church of Christ, Readyville, Tn. or Willette, TN. Church of Christ Jamaica Mission Fund.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net