Catherine Harriet Parker

Catherine Harriet Askew Parker, age 69, of Meridian, MS passed away on March 20, 2020 in her home in the presence of her devoted and steadfast husband, Steve.

She was born in Columbus, GA on December 11, 1950, daughter of Elizabeth Askew and the late Joseph Askew.  She is survived by her husband Stephen Elbert Parker of 46 years, their 3 children Stephanie “Stevie” Parker Brannon and her husband Jason Brannon, Elyse Parker, and Griffin Parker, as well as her grandchildren Finley, Catherine, and Graham Brannon and Max and Parker Lee Myers.  She is also survived by one sister, Linda Askew Woodruff and one brother Finley Rodgers as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She is preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Askew, II.

Cathy graduated from Forest County Agricultural High School in Brooklyn, MS in 1968.  While in attendance thee she was voted “Cutest Girl” in 9 ^th grade and participated in cheer leading, basketball, and played the French horn in the school band.

She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.  She was a member of the Pi Mu Sorority and student body secretary.

Cathy continued her studies at the University of Alabama-Birmingham where she earned a certificate of nurse anesthesia in 1974.

Cathy went on to practice anesthesia for 39 years for Dr. Jimmy Sams of Columbus, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and finally Rush Foundation Hospital where she provided over 25 years of service and held the position of Chief Anesthetist for many years.  She was never scared to speak her mind and stand up for what was fair and just for all whether it was in the workplace or home.

Cathy made her family home in Meridian where she attended Central United Methodist Church.  What she most enjoyed out of life was having a family and spending time with them.  She was a strong female role model and mother to her three children and enjoyed cooking with them and supporting them in any extracurricular or career paths they chose at life by giving them the tools to succeed at them.  She was their constant cheerleader.

She enjoyed and excelled at the art of cooking, never tiring of company around her table, and was always the most gracious hostess.  She delighted in being able to taste something she enjoyed from the restaurant and recreating it from scratch from the memories of its flavors.

Cathy had an enthusiasm for travel that she elicited and inspired into her family. She always found peace and solitude in the Florida panhandle where she enjoyed long walks and shell collecting on its beaches.

Cathy had a generous spirit and was often a silent angel who could recognize someone in need whether it was a shoulder to cry on, food to nourish, or clothes to warm.  One thing is for sure, she was definitely our angel and heaven is a better place with her there.

The family would like to invite Cathy’s extended family and friends to celebrate Cathy’s life when the opportunity presents itself.

The online guestbook may be signed and condolences may be expressed at www.robertbarhamffh.com .