Catherine Etheredge Sears was born on May 2, 1905 in Batesburg, South Carolina. She was a graduate of Barber Scotia College and taught in the public school system of South Carolina. In 1936, she married Jessie Sears and moved to Blackville, South Carolina. There, she joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church and served faithfully in many capacities, including a memorable soprano on the choir, a Sunday school teacher and church clerk. Catherine also proudly served as secretary of the Order of Eastern Star, Pilgrim Chapter No. 7.
Catherine’s husband, Jessie, passed away in 1960. There were no children born to their union. However, Catherine was known as “Aunt Catherine” to all that met her, whether they were related to her or not. Upon her retirement from the school system, she lovingly took care of children of working parents in her home. She had infinite patience with kids, allowing them to freely indulge their imaginations, using anything she owned at their disposal.
Aunt Catherine touched the lives of everyone she met. Whether just a smile, a hug, a gift of her contagious laughter or a delicious coconut pie. She wore a constant smile and any room she entered was warmed by her presence. She was the sweetest, most compassionate spirit that ever lived.
This site, and every endeavor birthed from it, is dedicated to my Aunt Catherine, the original Thrive Sistah.
Tonya D. Thomas 