Cathie Shimp

Cathie P. Shimp left this life on earth on March 24, 2020 to spend the rest of eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Cathie was born on September 25, 1952 in Rocky Mount, NC, to Catherine and Dennis Pittman. From Rocky Mount, her family moved to Wilmington, NC, and shortly thereafter moved to Jacksonville, FL.

She attended both Holiday Hill and “Little Englewood” elementary school, Southside Junior High, and Englewood High School (Class of ’70, Go Rams!). Cathie graduated from Jacksonville University in just over 2+ years, while simultaneously working for the Prudential Life Insurance Co.

Shortly after graduation, she married Earl Shimp on June 9, 1973, and Cathie and Earl’s lifetime of love and adventure began. They moved to Greenville, SC one week after marriage, and established lifelong friendships with some of the most incredible people on earth. After a short stay in Greenville, Cathie and Earl were transferred back to Jacksonville where Cathie lived out the remainder of her incredible life.

Cathie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in her late 20’s, and her life, and all those around her, were never the same again. She was a new woman, a new creation in Christ, an already wonderful person transformed into an incredible woman of God. Her life was so rich and became even richer on August 24, 1979 with the birth of her beautiful daughter Brooke A. Shimp. Oh, what a joy that was and what a tremendous relationship between a loving mother and wonderful daughter. Cathie was a dedicated and loving wife and mother beyond compare. Besides her Lord, there was nothing in her life more important than her husband and her daughter. She treated them both like royalty.

After being a stay at home mom, Cathie substituted as a teacher for a short season, and after one day of substituting in a special needs class, Cathie fell in love with these beautiful children. Again, her life was forever changed. Cathie went back to school to obtain the necessary credentials and taught special needs at both Spring Park and Merrill Road Elementary Schools for the rest of her career until her retirement in 2015. She loved these children unconditionally, and they loved her. She took her new kids to levels never thought possible, and she continued to receive cards, letters, and gifts from them and their parents for years after they moved on from her class. What tremendous joy that brought Cathie.

Cathie Shimp was first and foremost a mighty woman of God, a prayer warrior, an intercessor, a servant of Christ. She served on the church prayer ministry team, volunteered in Children’s Church, was a member of the Parrish Council, and served with the women’s ministry, and provided transportation to and from church and for doctor visits, and other needs whenever she knew about someone needing help. She absolutely loved to spend time listening to contemporary Christian praise and worship music. Cathie went on mission trips, supported many missionaries, gave to a multitude of charities, helped those that needed help, and would pray for anyone and everyone. Cathie hosted fundraising dinner parties in our home to provide needed support for those going out into the world to spread the gospel.  She had a heart for those less fortunate, and her latest love was raising money to support Wells of Hope, International providing clean water wells to villages in Africa. She opened her home to those in need of a place to stay either short or long term, and she simultaneously opened her heart, love, and friendship to them. She would leave every restaurant with a scripture and a card that said “Wild About You”, along with a personal note of encouragement, and she always left a large tip to show her love and gratitude for the service provided to her. She was truly a servants’ servant.

Cathie loved life. She loved flowers, parties, teas, going out to dinner, a beautiful yard with something always in bloom, going on our Friday night dates, spending time with our friends, reading, history, music, going anywhere, and just being around people. Unknown to many, she loved an adventure. She would drop whatever she was doing, pack a bag, and be ready to go. She loved the mountains, historical sights, and beautiful architecture. She could enjoy both a “high tea” and she would also whitewater canoe or raft (but she did love the tea parties more). Some of her most treasured adventures were simple, such as driving to Savannah with our daughter to get their hair done or going to Charleston to see her Aunt Norma and wonderful family she so dearly loved. It was the time together with family and friends that she so longed for. Cathie loved to laugh, and if you knew Cathie, there is no mistaking that infectious laugh and smile that radiated from her.

Cathie was predeceased by her father Dennis G. Pittman, her sister Kimberly L. Pittman, as well as her grandparents. She is survived by her mother Catherine, her husband Earl, her daughter Brooke, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She loved all of you so dearly.

There will be a private burial service on Monday attended only by Earl and Brooke.

Due to the current COVID-19 issues, there will not be a visitation nor a service until the virus situation resolves itself. Once we are beyond this matter, we will announce a praise and worship church service as well as a Celebration of Life in honor of the wonderful life of Cathie.

In honor and memory of the life and love of Cathie and in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Wells of Hope International, Inc., 746 McDaniel Mill Road SW, Conyers, GA, 30094.