Catherine Mccollum

Catherine "Cat" McCollum was born to Julia Blevins and Willie Frank McCollum on February 22, 1941 in Bessemer, Alabama. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio (at age 10) she attended local schools and graduated from John Hay High School.

She extended her education by earning a degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University in the mid-1970s. Her career began in outreach work and she steadily advanced to the position of property manager at the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). While employed, she served numerous residents in the Wade Park, Miles Elmarge, and King Kennedy communities before retiring in 2000.

Catherine was straightforward, determined and full of humor. Her passions included gardening, sewing, cooking, bingo, and playing cards ("Let's go to Boston!").

She succumbed to illness on July 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.
It is difficult saying goodbye to someone we love. Fondly known as Cat/Nana/Granny/Grandma, she impacted many people along her life's journey, including cherished close friends. We will always remember "Say what," "Beg your pardon," "That's correct," and the way she affectionately called people "Love" when talking to them.

Catherine was the mother of seven children: Regina Ryce (deceased), Wanda McCollum, Frederick McCollum, Cheryl White, Jimmy Ryce (deceased), Raymond McCollum, and Odell Morgan. She is predeceased by her mother and father, sisters Mary Lee Banks, Alberta Jones, and brother Charlie Bell, Sr. Her essence will live on with her surviving children, her sister Virginia Scroggins, sister-in-law Eloise Bell, long- time friends Lillie Rice and Lucille Ryce, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other friends and relatives.