CATHERINE T. ANDERSON
May 18, 1943-March 21, 2017
Catherine Tarver Anderson departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.
One of four children, she was born to the late Lawrence Sr. and Essie B. Tarver on May 18, 1943, in Midway, Alabama. Catherine accepted Christ at an early age while attending St. Luke A.M.E Church in Midway, Ala. Education was a priority for Catherine. Therefore, following graduation from Merritt High School in 1961, she matriculated at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala., where she received her bachelor's degree in English with a minor in library science. While attending Alabama State she became a member of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Beta Pi Chapter. Years later, Catherine continued her studies by completing her master's degree in library science at North Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C.
On Jan. 29, 1970, Catherine married Robert Lee Anderson. Robert's career in the Air Force allowed them to travel abroad. While stationed in Bitburg, Germany, Robert and Catherine were blessed with a beautiful bundle of joy, Nicole. After returning from Germany, they settled in Goldsboro, N.C.
Desiring to use her many gifts and talents to honor God, she joined First African Baptist Church in 1977. Catherine served her church in many capacities throughout the years as a member of the Missionary Department, Usher Board, Library Committee, Trustee Ministry, Women's Fellowship, Culinary Committee and Sunday School teacher. She was serving as the church's financial clerk at the time of her death.
Catherine enjoyed a long career spanning 43 years as an educator. Her first job was in Albany, Ga., serving as an English teacher and librarian. She later worked in the Department of Defense school in Bitburg as a librarian. Catherine completed her career in education after serving 31 years with Wayne County Public Schools at Brogden Junior High School and Eastern Wayne Elementary School.
Catherine was a servant at heart and spent many hours volunteering in her church, the community and alongside her sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Phi Omega Chapter. She exemplified the precepts of the sorority in word and deed, most especially sisterhood and service. After more than 50 years of membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Catherine was honored with the distinction of being named a Golden Member.
Catherine was preceded in death by her mother, Essie B. Tarver, father, Lawrence Tarver Sr. and three brothers, John L. Cox, Lawrence Tarver Jr. and Ernest Tarver.
She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband of 47 years, Robert Anderson; a loving daughter, Nicole Anderson of Goldsboro and many other dear loving relatives and friends.
The family will greet friends during the visitation at First African Baptist on Monday, March 27, from 6:30 until 8 p.m.
Her celebration of life will be held Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 12 p.m. at First African Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Louis Leigh officiating. Interment will follow in the Wayne Memorial Park.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 26, 2017 11:54 AM