Catherine Lorraine Garner-Wortham

Mrs. Catherine Lorraine Garner-Wortham was born November 14, 1928 to loving parents, the late Reverend Jerry H. Garner and Annie Bell Johnson-Garner in Sharon (Canton), Mississippi. From that union nine children were born of which, she was the oldest. Catherine confessed her belief in Christ at an early age and attended Pleasant Green M.B. Church. Catherine departed this life on Thursday, April 28 2022.
Catherine attended elementary school in Sharon. Because of her parents’ concern about her education, they sent Catherine to Evansville, Indiana to live with her mother’s sister, Mrs. Sallie Johnson- Wilson and her husband, known as Snow, who promised Catherine would go to school there. She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended the University of Evansville for two years.
She was married to Willie Edward Wortham, who preceded her in death. To that union two wonderful children, Wilhelminia Wortham-Surles and Barry Wortham were born, and were dearly loved by them.
Catherine was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where she served faithfully with the Missions Auxiliary Matron ministry. Before that, she was a trustee at Ebenezer Baptist Church, serving under Rev. F.P. Miller. She served her community through work at the Neighborhood Youth Corp under the Community Action Program of Evansville. While Catherine was an entrepreneur, she founded and owned an antique shop located in the old Tip-Top market building. She bartered with other business owners. She owned rental properties and worked with Courier and Press paper distribution routes.
Three siblings preceded her in death: Jerry L. Garner, Sallie R. Garner-Sisson, Mable T. Garner-Siggers, MD, and George A. Garner.
She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter: Wilhelminia Surles; son: Barry Wortham (Liz); four siblings: Helen Randall (Ike), Gladys O’Nell Kendrick, Maggie Barnes-Campbell (Louis) and Charles F. Garner (Gloria); seven grandchildren: Dirkk (Willia) and Jonathan (Tawanda) Surles, Tyese Wortham (Takeo), Danyiel Louis, Niesha Drummer (Leon), Heather and Felicia Norman; eighteen great grandchildren; seven great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
In remembrance of Catherine Lorraine Garner Wortham's life, the family has requested that donations be made to Nazarene Missionary Baptist Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers. Donations can be mailed to 836 E. Walnut Street, Evansville IN 47713, Attn: Scholarship Fund.