Cathy DuBose

Ms. Cathy LaVonne Dubose, native of Knoxville, Tennessee, entered this life on Thursday, December 1, 1949; and took her eternal rest on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Bill Dobbins and Mary Katherine Hairston. 

She was a graduate of Austin East High School, Class of 1969 (the first graduating class of both Austin and East High Schools joining together).  Cathy was a loving woman with an infectious smile and warm personality.  While never meeting a stranger, her genuine love for people was heartwarming. Cathy's love for life and positivity encompassed every engaged relationship.  Her spirit was simply of happiness and vitality.  She was known as being the life of the party with style and class.  "Granny Cathy", "Ms. Cathy" or "Aunt Cathy,” as she was affectionately known, stood as the pillar and matriarch of the family.  Our mother enjoyed family gatherings and believed in the importance of the family unit.   

She retired from Levi’s Strauss Co., after 20 years of service.  Shortly after, she owned and operated a successful full-time daycare.  Her love of children and community led her to faithfully serve in the CAC Foster Grandparent program.  She was an advocate for voting rights and enjoyed assisting with the Knox County Election Commission.  She loved God! She attended Fort Hill Baptist Church and always looked forward to bible study with her best friend, Mrs. Leola.  

Left to cherish wonderful memories are her three children, Antoinette “Ane” Mercer, Donald (Yaelina) Coward, Jr. and Eva (Tijuan) Coleman-Clemons; ten grandchildren, lovingly called “her heartbeats,”  Jamal Johnson, Bre'Onna (Larry) Stoney, Sedarrius Wright, Amar and Ashton Mercer, Donald Jr and Trinity Coward, Leonel,  Tijuan and Ni'Vea Clemons; seven great grandchildren, Zaylon Randolph, Yasmine, La'Sean, Tatum, Brooklyn, Rose and Ava Johnson and D'hani Coward; five siblings , with whom she shared an amazing bond, Glenda Chesney, Anthony and Darryl Dobbins, Cedric (Arsie) Hairston and Selena Hairston; aunts, Peggy Toms and Juanita Cannon, both of Knoxville, TN; nieces and nephews, who brought endless joy to her life, Ikeko (Charles) Bass, Ignacita and Tomaki Moore, Ramone and Tilia Turner, Joshina, Keionna, Darryl Jr., Shannon, Jerome, LaKisha, Meshan and Anthony Dobbins, Moneek Logan, Shena Jarnigan, Agnes (Ryan) Grey, George Porter, China, Kennedy and Kimora Bass; a host of great nieces and great nephews; five best friends, who were like family, Leola (Glenn) Blackmon, Evie Allen, Jamesina Bailey and Dorothy Atkin (Toboy).

Because of her loving heart, her family grew immensely.  Extended family includes Natay Perry, Donnie Coward Sr., Chris and Erica Randolph, Santa Rosales Roldan (Mexico), Judy Robinson, and Betty Hurst. 

Saturday, September 25, 2021, a public walkthrough is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Eternal Life Harvest Center, 1801 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN. Social distancing and face coverings are required.  A Celebration of Life will follow for immediate family and close friends. Interment at Mount Olive Cemetery, 2400 Berry Road, Knoxville, TN 37920, where a white dove release will conclude the service. Friday, September 24, flowers may be delivered to the Patton Administrative Office, 2104 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 or to the church on Saturday morning. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com

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