C. "Liz" McCathern

MCCATHERN, Mrs. C. Elizabeth "Liz" - Age 73, passed Sunday June 15, 2008 at her residence. Family hour 1:00p.m. Saturday June 21, 2008 at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 174 Amos G. Johnson St., with funeral service commencing immediately at 1:30p.m. Pastor Keyon S. Payton officiating. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, 216 University Drive. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 1PM Saturday. Mrs. McCathern will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., and may be viewed from 1 to 8p.m. Friday. Elizabeth "Liz" (Ray) McCathern was born February 3, 1935, in Shelbyville, Tennessee. She was an only child to the late Hattie Mae Stone. Liz departed this life on June 15, 2008, following a lingering illness. As a young adult, she joined New Bethel Baptist Church and was baptized under the Pastorate of Reverend William Bell. She attended Wilson County schools in Tennessee until she moved to Pontiac, Michigan in 1943.In 1953; she married the late Johnnie McCathern. She is survived by 5 children; Rev. Claude (Teresa) McCathern and John McCathern of Nashville, TN. Pastor Robert S. (Myra) McCathern of Flint, MI, Curtis (Denise) McCathern of Muskegon, MI, Charmeen R. "Bug" McCathern of Pontiac, MI and a special son Anthony "Tony" Ware of Pontiac, MI. She was also blessed with 5 grand children. LaTrease Wright of Mt. Clemens, MI, Andrey McCathern of Flat Rock, MI, Dominique Tranzie of Muskegon, MI, LaTanya (Jason) Meriwether of Nashville, TN and Darian McCathern of Flint, MI; 5 great grandchildren Aaron and Sabrienne Adams, Paige and Jaylen Hatfield and Julian Meriwether. She is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Herman and Kim McCathern of Lebanon, TN, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, God children and friends. Elizabeth cherished her life long friendship with Ilar (Ruth) Daniels, Delores (Lois) Blackburn and the late Ruby Lucile Henderson. She considered them the "sisters" she never had. Elizabeth always exemplified leadership and a resilient spirit. She excelled in education and became the first African American cashier to work in the front office of Michigan Bell in downtown Pontiac. Liz also worked for the Pontiac School District with physically/mentally challenged youth. She finally retired after years of service with the Attorney Seth (Mary) Barsky family. After retirement, Liz moved to the America House (Oakland) and remained active as secretary of the residents association. Elizabeth loved God, her church and over the years served in numerous auxiliaries such as the seraphic, helped to organize the Sunbeam & Youth Choirs, Sunday school teacher, a Red Circle leader, youth ministry advisor and the young matrons. Her service to the Lord also extended into the ministries of her sons Pastorates and even encouraged her daughter to seek theological training which she currently pursues. Liz’s gift of hospitality was a secret to no one. She loved to cook and on any given Sunday many would gather at her table for food, fun and fellowship. She also enjoyed gardening and was recognized and received the "Home Beautification Award" by the City of Pontiac. Liz was passionate about bowling which included her involvement in the Pontiac Teachers League, New Bethel’s Church League and National Tournaments. Be it Spades, Bid whist, 5 Up, Rummy, or Dominoes, she was a hard woman to beat. Liz enjoyed her life and even in sickness displayed grace, dignity and an Unwavering faith in God. She will be greatly missed, but "never ever" forgotten.

C. "Liz" McCathern

February 3, 1935 - June 15, 2008