(From Parker Mortuary)Cathy Anita Garver, age 70 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17th, 2025 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin following a long and brave battle with Parkinson's disease complicated by multiple viral infections. Cathy was born August 5, 1954 in Atlanta, Georgia to Clyde and Dean Wilson.
Cathy was a loving and supportive mother to her children; Brittany, Brandon, and Chris. She loved them all unconditionally, and did everything she could to help them find happiness and success in their lives. She adored her grandchildren, and some of her happiest moments came while doing almost any activity with them. You could see the joy on her face as she roller skated, bowled, played golf or watch them in some other activity. It didn't matter what they were doing, as long as it was done together.
Cathy loved and enjoyed being with her sister, Sandra. They often took "sister vacations" together, and trained for and participated in a 3 day - 60 mile Avon "Walk for the Cure' in Atlanta. They enjoyed spending time together every chance they got. Cathy leaves behind a large and loving extended family back in the Atlanta area.
Cathy was a talented and dedicated Sales Manager for Admiral Express, and was well respected and loved by many in the Office Products and Office Furniture industry. Many of her customers and vendors became lifelong friends of Cathy's, a testament to the way she conducted business with them. She took great pride in her work, and believed in the power of forging lasting relationships with all she met throughout her business career. Cathy was always positive, optimistic, genuine and caring in all her business and personal relationships. She didn't seem to know how to act any other way.
Cathy was active in her church from childhood through her adult life. She found great pleasure and satisfaction in finding ways to work with others in developing programs to help those less fortunate, and in need of a helping hand. She and a group of close friends did many fundraising events for Ascent Recovery Residences, raising over $ 250,000 for that organization. She also helped organize fund raising events for other local organizations such as Watered Gardens. A passage she wrote in one of her many notebooks sums things up pretty well: "Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplishments for yourself, it's what you do for others."
Cathy also loved being with her friends, and she cherished and loved them all. Hosting dinners at the house, taking long lunches with her girlfriends, going to a play, playing games, eating at a favorite restaurant, or simply talking. It didn't matter. She had a way of making people comfortable and welcomed any opportunity to spend time with her friends. She loved all of you very much.
Cathy was a talented and dedicated Sales Manager for Admiral Express, and was well respected and loved by many in the Office Products and Office Furniture industry. Many of her customers and vendors became lifelong friends of Cathy's, a testament to the way she conducted business with them. She took great pride in her work, and believed in the power of forging lasting relationships with all she met throughout her business career. Cathy was always positive, optimistic, genuine and caring in all her business and personal relationships. She didn't seem to know how to act any other way.
Cathy was active in her church from childhood through her adult life. She found great pleasure and satisfaction in finding ways to work with others in developing programs to help those less fortunate, and in need of a helping hand. She and a group of close friends did many fundraising events for Ascent Recovery Residences, raising over $ 250,000 for that organization. She also helped organize fund raising events for other local organizations such as Watered Gardens. A passage she wrote in one of her many notebooks sums things up pretty well: "Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplishments for yourself, it's what you do for others."
Cathy also loved being with her friends, and she cherished and loved them all. Hosting dinners at the house, taking long lunches with her girlfriends, going to a play, playing games, eating at a favorite restaurant, or simply talking. It didn't matter. She had a way of making people comfortable and welcomed any opportunity to spend time with her friends. She loved all of you very much.
She is preceded in death by her father, Clyde Wilson. Those family members left to mourn her passing include her husband of 20 years, Ted Garver; sons Chris Purvis and wife Jin; Brandon Purvis and wife Erin: daughter, Brittany Johnsson and husband Nik; mother Dean Wilson; sister, Sandra Santiago; and her many beloved grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Parkinson's Association in care of the mortuary.
Memorials services are planned for Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ's Community Church in Joplin, Missouri.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.
No comments:
Post a Comment