On the first day of October, 2018, the Lord whispered Catherine Alexander's name as she sat quietly in her favorite chair. The angels beckoned her from heaven's opened door and it was at that time she couldn't feel at home in the world anymore. Her spirit returned to the Lord to a place of peace, joy, happiness, and where there will be no more sickness, pain, and tears and nothing but eternal rest with the Lord.
Although she didn't like nicknames, she was fondly referred to as "Rine" by her closest relatives and friends. And her grandchildren called her "granny." She was born on the 17th day of February in the year of 1922 to the parents of the late John and Anner Thomas. She was the 11th child of fourteen siblings: Addie Lee Wallace, A.B. Thomas, Bessie Rucker, Dorothy Woods, Ellie Mitchell, Johnnie Mae West, Lenore Alexander, Mamie Council, Maude Wallace, Richard Lewis Thomas, Robert Thomas, Terry Thomas, Willie James Thomas, all preceded her in death except for Dorothy Woods who is the youngest of the siblings.
She married L.C. Alexander and from their union were born three children: Jeannette D. Wilburn and Donny Alexander both preceded her in death. Leaving to carry on her memory is Helen J. Jackson (Orlando) of Allen, Texas.
As a young wife and mother, her occupations included being a seamstress, secretary for Maxey Funeral Home and also for Carl Ferguson Funeral Home. She was also employed by the Campbell Soup Company and retired at the age of 55. She later returned to the workforce in 1989 working as a "People Greeter" with Walmart and retired permanently after 10 faithful years of service. She was always timely and never missed a day of work.
She became a member of Olive Branch Baptist Church in Paris, Texas as an adolescent. But later in life, she obeyed the Gospel and was added to the Church of Christ. She leaves to mourn; her daughter, Helen J. Jackson (Orlando), her grand-daughters, Jeannette Michelle Holland (Richard), Terriha L. Harvey, her great-grandchildren; Nikita Minor (Adrian), Anthony D. Harvey, Phillip D. Harvey, Thomas Jackson, Alanah Jackson, and a great-great granddaughter, JaMaiyliahna Brun, and a hosts of nieces and nephews. Her only grandson, Orlando Jackson Jr preceded her in death.
Granny was a great conversationalist. She loved to talk especially on the phone. She took pleasure in discussing politics and life events. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles and reading. But more importantly, she loved hearing God's word. She loved her family dearly. "Family is first," was one of her many quotes throughout her life. She was faithful in visiting her sisters on weekends and especially on Sundays. She had a kind and loving spirit. She visited the elderly, the sick and shut-in routinely and also donated clothing to Goodwill regularly. As a seamstress, she was very meticulous, neat, and well organized. These were just a few traits that were handed down to her next generation. She also encouraged others to do their best and be the best by setting the example.
