Betty J. Cato

The Obituary

Betty Josephine Cato was born April 10, 1933 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was one of seven children born to the late Walter and Margaret Miller.

Betty accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized as a child. She attended and was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Betty, was known as a very creative, artistic and athletic ‘Beauty’. She attended public school, graduating from John S. Cobb High School in May 1952.

Soon after graduating high school Betty married her first husband and through that union, she gave birth to and raised three children. Later on, while also doing a phenomenal job as a homemaker and mother Betty furthered her education by attending Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in Buffalo New York, graduating in 1969 with an Associate degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design. She worked periodically as a Sale Associate, Teacher’s Aide and Nurses Aide. Always ambitious, dedicated and committed to being the very best at whatever she set out to accomplish.    

Throughout her life she was a loving, attentive, fiercely protective mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Outspoken and compassionate, willing to sacrifice and fight for what she believed in. She always had an open door, sound advice and wisdom to share with those who needed it; sometimes whether you wanted to hear it or not, but it was always in your best interest to take heed at what she was saying.

Famous for her culinary skills, she could put together a feast fit for a king or queen. Sharing with her children and some of the grands her secrets to making the best cakes, pies and, chicken and dumplings ever, just to name a few. She also had the sewing expertise of a seamstress. Often making many of the clothes her children wore when times were tight.

On December 24, 1976, Betty married William Cato. They later relocated to Philadelphia in 1998 where the two of them shared many years of love and fun times surrounded by family laughing, talking, and sharing food and fellowship all together.

 Bill proceeded her in death in February 2014 where he now waits for her in Glory with the Lord.

On Tuesday, June 8, 2021, God decreed, it is finished. Come unto me my good and faithful servant. No more pain, no more suffering. Eternal life and peace await you. It is well with your soul.

Mom, Grand mom, Great Grand mom, we will miss you dearly, but we know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

She leaves to mourn: one daughter, Donna Lee- Smith; two sons, George Bell and Gregory Bell; one son-in-law, Joseph Smith and two daughters-in-law, Celia and Iris, who along with her husband Gregory cared for and nursed her in her final days on this earth.  She was the beloved grandmother of 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, three special daughters that adopted her as their mother figure and a special niece, Laura Anetta Cato, along with many additional nieces, nephews, other loving relatives.

Betty/Mom, will be dearly missed but there is peace and wonderful joy in knowing she has won the victory and life everlasting in Christ Jesus.

This is not Goodbye, but instead a, “See you later”, until that day when we shall all be together, what a day of rejoicing that shall be. We shall all sing and shout the VICTORY!!

Submitted With Love,

The Family

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