Catherine Regina Witherspoon Gillyard

Catherine’s Journey On April 4, 1958, Catherine (Cathy) Regina Witherspoon was born to Carolyn Witherspoon in Philadelphia, PA. Earlier in her childhood she was raised and nurtured by a community of extended loved ones and spiritual mentors, including the great Parthenia “Anna” Broughton. Catherine received her education in the Philadelphia School system. Catherine graduated from William Penn High School in 1975 and received her Associate’s degree in 1977 through the McCarrie School of Health, Science and Technology. Catherine became a Licensed Nurse Practitioner and phlebotomist. Catherine’s passion to serve others, especially seniors and those with a disability, led her to work in a community residential program as a Resident Advisor at The Horizon House in Philadelphia, PA serving from 1995 until her health required her to leave the medical field in early 2000s. Catherine then spent her time working in the IT Department at Central High School, where her youngest daughter attended. Catherine was also an entrepreneur; she had a handkerchief business; she made and sold jewelry from her stand in the Center City mall in Philadelphia. Catherine continued to make and fix jewelry in her later years. Catherine faithfully served the Lord as a member of Mount Pisgah United Holiness Church located in Philadelphia, PA. under the pastoral leadership of Elder Harold Bernard Hayes, Sr. She accepted the Lord as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age. Catherine also supported Sanctuary Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia, PA, in her early years under the leadership of Pastor Otis Massey. At Mount Pisgah, Catherine with her high Soprano loved singing in the choir, traveling with her trio Perfect Praise, directing the Cherubs of Praise Children’s Choir and the Sisters In Love with Christ (SILC) Praise Dance and Stomp Ministry. At home, Catherine was a self-taught pianist and harmonica enthusiast. Whether asleep or awake, Cathy was always singing! In addition to singing and playing instruments, Catherine was an avid collector of pens, bells and unicorns and recently found a hobby in puzzles and Legos. But spending time with family was what brought her joy. Catherine enjoyed holiday gatherings, cruising and vacationing with family, playing cards and board games, watching stand-up comedies, and faithfully watching or attending wrestling events. And no matter the day, location or physical illness, Catherine loved to dance with her husband. Catherine’s bubbly personality, quick wit, dance moves and zest for life led her to her love, Larry Gillyard. Catherine married her beloved Larry Gillyard on December 8, 1986. They were blessed with 39 years of marriage, but she was wrapped in Larry’s tender loving care for nearly 48 years. With this union came a beautiful, blended two-parent family with four children. Catherine and Larry moved from Philadelphia to Delaware to be closer to Betty Gillyard (Larry’s mom) and to live a better quality of life. Catherine spent her later years seeking additional purpose as she battled illnesses. One purpose was to reach out to as many people as possible to offer words of encouragement not knowing if one word would one day be someone’s rescue and remind them, they are loved and greater than their biggest obstacle. Catherine was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Wright; her son, Jonathan Lee Gillyard; her daughter, Lydia Gillyard Jones; her sisters, Crystal Witherspoon-Blair and Alfred Witherspoon; and her brothers, Clifford Barkley Jr. and Phillip Gillyard. Catherine leaves a legacy of love with her lifelong tag team partner and devoted husband, Larry Gillyard; children, Jamillah Gillyard-Knight and Jennifer Gillyard; four siblings: Stephen Witherspoon (Gloria), Patricia Hutchinson, Inez Smith and Valerye Ince-Viner; mother-in-law, Betty Gillyard; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Barkley; brothers-in-law: Michael Morgan (Greta), Clarence (Anita), Oliver, Michael (Shelda), and Alvin (Tanya); nine grandchildren: Joshua Gillyard, Tyrell Knight, Antonio Knight, Christopher Knight, Nikevah-Kathryn Knight, Aneenya Harvey, Dennis Jones, Jr., Denise Jones, and Denzel Jones; one great-grandchild, Shaila Dior Jones; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, chosen family and friends. Her spirit will always be with us and live on through us. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 9:30-11 AM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE, 19702. A celebration of life will follow at 11 AM. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com.

Catherine Regina Witherspoon Gillyard

April 4, 1958 - May 19, 2025

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