Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith was born on May 9, 1927, in Shreveport, Louisiana to her parents, John Fergerson and Rosie Jackson. She was the first born in the family. She was raised surrounded by her brother, Lloyd and her sisters, Bobbi, Jessie, and Lois. She received her early education in Shreveport where she graduated from high school in 1945. She furthered her education by attending Culinary Arts School in 1948, earning a Culinary Arts Degree.

In 1943, she wed Odus Smith in Shreveport. They first met in high school. To this union, seven children were born: Edward, Helen, Wanda, Ronald, Bobbi Jo, Billy, and Chandra. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother who was truly dedicated to the care and nurture of her family. She was later blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Lisa, Nicole, Marcus, Troy, Talbert, Tamesha, Cameron, Dedrick, Bianca, Sable, CorNisha, Daniel (DJ), Devan, and Daniel (Boi), who all were an additional source of joy and pride in her life.

She loved them unconditionally, but often shared secrets with Tamesha and Devan. The grandchildren lovingly called her "Nanny or Honey" and they fondly remember the many happy and precious moments shared with her.

By profession, Catherine was a Head Cook. She was employed by Lowry Air Force Base, Woolworth, the Mile-High Day Care, and Clayton College. She was hard-working, dedicated, and performed her duties with meticulous detail. She received a number of awards, some of which include an award as an Excellent Cook, The Great Cook Award, and an Award from Clayton College. She retired in 2011 after over 30 years of faithful and dedicated service.

A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Catherine was a faithful and dedicated member of Greater Union Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Gregory Johnson. She served her church and the Lord as a member of the Usher Board, the Mission Ministry, and she sang in the Choir. She loved her church and the fellowship shared with her church family.

Catherine was a fun-loving woman, who enjoyed life and those she surrounded. In her free time, she enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. She enjoyed watching "The Young and Restless, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy."

She was an avid Denver Bronco fan. She loved to drink Pepsi and spend quality time conversing with her daughters. Her closest friends include, Margaret Bass, Ethel Marshall, and Momma Cotton and Ruby Payton, who preceded her in death. They all shared many happy and memorable moments together. She loved cooking for her visitors, and she received joy watching them eat her food. She offered comfort, love, and shelter, to anyone in need. To know Catherine was to love her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Odus Smith; 3 children, Chandra Gamble-Curry, William Smith-Gant, Charles Smith; her parents, John Fergerson and Rosie Jackson; all her siblings, Lloyd Jackson, Bobbi Davis, Jessie Davis and Lois Jackson.

Catherine Smith departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on March 20, 2019, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her son, Ronald L. Smith of Denver; 3 daughters, Helen J. Borne of Aurora, Wanda F. Gillespie and Bobbi Jo Jones both of Denver; 14 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; and 6 great great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, extended family and many friends.

Visitation : March 29, 2019 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church
1880 Xanitha Street
Denver, CO 80220

Celebration of Life : March 29, 2019 12:00 pm

Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church
1880 Xanitha Street
Denver, CO 80220

Interment : March 29, 2019 2:00 pm

St. Simeon Cemetery
22001 Colorado #30
Aurora, CO 80018