- Date Of Birth: May 9, 1927
- Date Of Death: March 20, 2019
- State: Colorado
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.
