Susan Eller Everett Cathey

Susan Eller Everett Cathey passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025 after battling through a month of injuries and illness.

Susan was born February 11,1942 in Cleburne, Texas to Alice ”Totsie” Eller and Dewey Judson Everett. She spent her childhood in a loving home being cared for by her parents and her only sister, Carolyn Weaver Witten. She often spoke fondly of memories riding on the Santa Fe trains that her father worked on, the numerous aunts and uncles who cared for her, and her time in church activities and the Girl Scouts. She graduated from Albuquerque High School and attended McMurry College until 1964 when she began her career as a teacher. She married James Simmons that same year and became a pastor’s wife. They had one child together, and she spent her teaching career working with special education students throughout the many schools and communities where the couple lived. She remembered her students and spoke of them by name throughout her life. In 1980, she was re-married to Luke Cathey and welcomed another daughter. Later, the family moved to Abilene, Texas. She became active in St. James UMC and worked to support an active outreach ministry where she focused on reaching out to the elderly and those in need. She retired from Abilene ISD after thirty years as an educator. For several years, she moved to be closer to her grandchildren in Llano, Texas and worked as a substitute teacher and church volunteer. An active member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a founder of the Scott Blue Ribbon Group, she tirelessly fought to preserve her family and historical roots. Susan poured her energy and boundless love into her children and grandchildren, people suffering from addictions, and those in need. 

Last year, Susan returned back to Abilene and lived the remainder of her days as a proud grandmother and great-grandmother and member of her church. 

Susan is survived by her daughters, Sonja (and Robert) Williams, and Skipper (and Preston) McWithey, her grandchildren, Claire (and Brock) Bomkamp, Luke, Madison, James, Judson, one great-grandchild, Jessa, another one on the way, and her beloved dog, JoJo. Additionally, she lovingly cared for many extended family members and will be remembered as the connecting force between them. 

A memorial service was held in Susan’s memory on Sunday, January 19th at 4 PM at St. James UMC in Abilene, Texas. Her remains will be laid to rest with her parents and sister in Cleburne, Texas later this year.