Catherine Hutcheson Willis (73) was born January 30, 1949, Dallas, Texas, and went to the arms of Jesus July 27, 2022, after a long battle with renal cell cancer.

Cathy was born to Achille Murat "Monk" Willis, Jr. and Frances Hundahl Willis and moved to Longview, Texas, with them when she was an infant. She graduated from Longview High School, Longview, TX and attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX before graduating from the University of Texas-Austin with a bachelor's degree.

After college, she worked as a staffer for Congressman Ray Roberts in Washington, D. C. and went on to work in retail at the Hecht Co., Wicks 'N Sticks, Lane Bryant, and other stores. After moving to Houston in the late 1970's, she worked selling Canon copiers at CSI (Customer Services Inc.). In the most recent years, she worked as an LCDC counselor. Cathy helped many clients and family members recover from substance abuse at The Right Step, Inc. She was a residential counselor, an intensive out-patient counselor, and an intensive outpatient coordinator. This work was her passion.

Anyone who knew Cathy recognized her big, tender heart. Cathy loved animals. As a child, she rescued many stray dogs and cats. In high school, she rode horses and participated in horse shows with friends at the Gladewater Rodeo. As an adult, Cathy would often pull off the road to care for stray animals or puppies that had been abandoned. Her Love Language was giving, and one of her greatest pleasures was giving gifts to those she loved.

Cathy is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Willis Kackley, Plano, TX; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and John Tabor, Tulsa, OK; her beloved dog, "Me"; 4 god-children and 6 great-god-children; and her best friend, Chris Davis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to ASPCA or any Animal Rescue of your choice or A. M. Willis Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of North Texas, Denton, TX.

A celebration of her life will be at Garmany & Carden Funeral Chapel, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 , on Tuesday,  August 16, 2022, at 1:00 P. M. Burial will be at Morton Cemetery, Richmond, TX at 9:30 A.M. the following morning.

Condolence messages may be written for the family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.