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Catherine “Cathy” (Lewis) Douglas earned her wings and flew home to heaven after a 40-day hospital battle with Covid-19 on January 13th, 2021. She fought extremely hard, but the subsequent damage from Covid would not allow her body to recover. Catherine was a beautiful woman and saved soul with a heart as big as the sun.
Cathy was preceded in death by her father Phil Steven Lewis, sister Dawna Sue Lewis and husband Asa Bartlett Douglas. She leaves behind her loving family: mother, Judith Lucille (Lewis) Enyart. Her daughter, Deidre Love Sullens, son-in-law Christopher M. Sullens, and their child, Adrian Gray Sullens of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her son, Daniel Graham, his wife Katherine, and their children Mary & Felicity of Camarillo, California. And his children, London Graham & Geneva Graham of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Nephew, Kenneth Keller, his wife Tiffany, and their children Joslyn & Kyden of Yukon, Oklahoma.
She was born June 21st, 1955 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Growing up, she was a devout member of NW Baptist Church where she found joy in many youth activities and choir. Her first job was scooping ice cream at the very first Braum’s (Ice Cream and Dairy) location. She worked in a high-level position at Dillard’s her entire senior year at Northwest Classen and graduated in 1973. (Dillard’s thought she was a senior in college and changed her title shortly after this realization.) She did well in college but opted to focus on the one thing she really wanted to be in life, a mother. She had 2 children with her first marriage, Daniel and Deidre, who she loved more than anything. That is, till she got grand babies! She worked as an Attendance Secretary at Hefner Middle School in the 80’s, before becoming a stay-at-home mom. During which time, she served on many committees as a PTA super star at her children’s elementary school; helping with the annual talent show and working one-on-one with remedial learners. In the 90’s she returned to the workforce as a sales rep for High Tech-Tronics where she did very well. This is no surprise because she never met a stranger, truly. She made friends everywhere she went. Many call it the “gift of gab”, but it was more than that. Cathy was great at really connecting with people. She met her husband, Asa, at a Christmas Party thrown at Esperanza Farms in 1994; a chance meeting they would both note later as magical and an encounter of fate. They created a life together shortly after. She assisted him with their screen-printing business (Eleven 11, Ltd.), before becoming a customer care rep with AT&T Wireless, from where she eventually retired. After 13+ years together, she and Asa officially declared their union in the eyes of God at the Messiah Lutheran Church on November 11th, 2008. (Catherine and Asa just celebrated their anniversary in November; a dedicated 25+ year relationship with 12 years of marriage.)
Catherine was a talented pianist and natural storyteller. She worried about & for everyone, prayed often and loved deeply. She was an open book. 15 minutes into talking and she’d know your life story, or you would know hers. She wore her heart on her sleeve and was a sucker for Hallmark movies or anything that might make you cry. Her favorite movie was “What Dreams May Come”, which had a special hue of blue throughout that she adored. She had a penchant for sentimentality and nostalgia. She enjoyed watching “Criminal Minds” and often wrote down and recounted the quotes that display at the end of each episode. She had a glow and contagious laugh. (She would often giggle when she tried to be serious- not able to keep a straight face for long). Catherine’s love, kindness and genuine nature will live on through the legacy of her children and grandchildren.
Cathy adored animals from a young age. Although allergic to cats, she often still befriended the neighborhood cats as a child. Her mother recalls her having a fit at age 5 when she wasn’t allowed to bring a goat home from the petting zoo. She and her husband, Asa, had a passion for helping lost animals; saving them from the street or pound and helping to find their way home or relocate them to new forever homes. It was a joke that lost dogs shared her address with their buddies, since they would often show up on her porch or yard. She loved all her dogs so much, and all dogs were smitten with her. Her 2 Bichon pups, Wallace and Connor, will live out the remainder of their days in her daughter’s care.
The family will have a funeral this summer at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where her and her husband will be placed in their shared plot together. (She would NOT want anyone to take the risk of traveling or gathering on her account during this level of the pandemic.) Planning is still in progress, but the family will announce more info once available.
Memorial donations can be made in Catherine’s memory to the Free to Live Animal Sanctuary at www.freetoliveok.org/givetoday – they are the largest no-kill animal shelter in Oklahoma. Cathy loved animals & saved many, many dogs over the years. She held this shelter in the highest regard and believed in their mission.
Tiffany keller says
This is so beautiful, describes her to a “T”. She always made me feel loved and welcomed into your family. She turned into my other mom, helping me through tragic moments in life. She really was such a beautiful soul. Love you so much and I’m always here if you need to vent❤️.
Charlene Moore Braxton, Class of ‘87 says
So sorry to hear about the loss of a fellow Knight. Keeping her family in my prayers.
Melissa and Tom Graffigna says
We are so sorry for your loss Deidre. Losing your mom is one of the hardest things we have to deal with. And she was so young, which makes it all the mire difficult. You have such wonderful memories to help you through this. We will keep you snd your family in our hearts snd in our prayers. May you mom rest in eternal peace with Asa.
Sunni says
Beautiful description of Catherine’s life. I wished I had met her. Prayers for her & her family. Love in Christ, Sunni
Cheryl (Wegner) Klein says
I remember Cathy from high school. Class of 73. Very sweet. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of the family and friends.
Heather McQueen says
Beautiful tribute to your mom. I will keep your family in my prayers.❤️
Linda Kincaid says
Such a beautiful tribute. Cathy and I became friends when we were 13 years old. Campfire Girls, NW Baptist Church, Taft Jr. High, Northwest Classen High School, and we lived 2 blocks from each other. I hate that she was so so sick before flying home and I love that she’s soaring with the angels in the presence of our maker, God. Her heart was big and her kindness touched many. She will never be forgotten.
Janet McMaster and family says
Beautifully written for a beautiful soul. She was always so kind to me and my family – truly a kindred. Love to all of you, we think of you all every day. May she ascend in the love and serenity that she gave to everyone in life. God’s blessings to you.
Barbara Brown-McMullin says
Kathy was my neighbor since 1975. I will miss her sweet spirit.
Lynette says
Catherine I loved you and Asa so much. Always so caring and always being there for me. I can never say enough how grateful and fortunate I am to have had you both as my friends. When I think of you I will think of style and grace. How caring you always were. I love you with all my heart.
Laurie Crozier says
We went to Taft Jr. High and Northwest Classen and graduated the same year but never crossed paths until our friend, Lynette, introduced us when we were working at AT&T many years later. We found that we knew many of the same people from back in the day and we enjoyed sharing stories of the past. Our friendship grew over the years and I came to love her sweet, thoughtful and encouraging spirit. We stayed in touch even after we no longer worked together and the friendship continued. I’m so grateful for the time we had. I will miss our long conversations and I will think of you often but I will be comforted knowing you are home. Love and peace to Cathy’s family and friends
Beth Buchanan Fultz says
Cathy was a kind soul in Elementary School and in Camp Fire Girls and In class. What a sweetheart she was with a delightful laugh. Though our paths diverted long ago, she is someone you cannot forget.
Deidre Love Sullens says
It’s been a month since I lost you momma, and it’s only become more apparent how heavily you were woven into my daily life. At times, your words ring in my ears. Other times I have flash backs to memories, times or situations I hadn’t thought about in years. I look forward to being able to smile on sweet remembrances one day rather than cry. For now, I am still undone. For now, I can’t control or guide the grief. The pain of loss is still a constant with undulating levels. I think this sorrow must be a badge of honor to how much we loved one another. I just really miss you mom. I wish I had hugged you longer & tighter the last time. Still trying hard to remember Love is a bond death can not depart. You may be gone from my sight, but you are still here with me, always. Like you said, “always”. I love you Momma.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you & Asa in heaven. I hope you are dancing together tonight like you did the first night you met. And, I hope you know (how so very much) you both are missed and loved xoxoxo Always.
Deidre Love Sullens says
In one day, I will no longer be able to think “This time last year my Mom and Asa were here and things were normal”. Thanksgiving last year, you both didn’t feel well enough to even make it to our online thanksgiving gathering. The following day, Asa couldn’t feel his legs and sat in the car for hours, falling asleep in the freezing weather. You visited him several times out there pleading for him to allow you to call for help. He fell out of the car onto the driveway and hit his head. Thus, life began a decent. He was taken in an ambulance and you didn’t feel well. You weren’t yourself. I came over, tended to you a bit and got the last hug I’d ever get from you. We didn’t know, or would have dreamed, that either of you had Covid-19. You didn’t go anywhere!! You both were always so safe. And again, didn’t go ANYWHERE! Unfathomable, all of it still is. I’m still mourning you deeply a year later. I am still broken without you. I love you always and forever Momma. Always. I’m making your no bake cookies, pistachio salad and Rice Krispies for Thanksgiving Day. Grandma’s mind continues to go further and further away, but we are blessed to have her able to come and join us in person this year. She misses you. She still tries to call you. In her room, I hung the pottery picture you made her your senior year in high school. She sees it everyday. I miss you mom. I love you. I know you know this, but I guess I just… I don’t know. Happy Thanksgiving in Heaven. It’s gonna hurt to see the empty chairs where you and Asa should be. I hope time is different where you are – I hope you’re at peace and happy. I want that more than anything. That, and to see you again. Xoxoxox Always Proud to be your daughter. Xoxoxo