Catherine Rodgers, beloved daughter of the late Delia Bell Purcell and Thedford Purcell, was born on February 7, 1949, in Red Springs, North Carolina. Surrounded by the love of a large family, Catherine was one of seven children and carried that deep sense of family and connection with her throughout her life. On June 6, 2026, she departed this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, strength, and service that will never be forgotten. 

Catherine began her education at Richard B. Harrison School in North Carolina and later attended Baltimore City Schools, where she earned her high school diploma. With a heart for helping others and a determination that inspired all who knew her, she continued her education and, in 2005, proudly graduated from Coppin State University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Her accomplishment was a testament to her perseverance and her unwavering commitment to caring for others. 

That caring spirit defined Catherine's life. She worked for many years as a nursing assistant and later as a devoted caregiver, always placing the needs of others before her own. She faithfully served at the Woodbourne Center in Baltimore for more than 20 years, where she dedicated herself to supporting youth facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Catherine did not simply do a job - she answered a calling. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, comforted, and loved.

 In 1966, Catherine married Milford Johnson, and from that union came two cherished daughters, Karen Graham and Lanita Johnson, who were among her greatest blessings. In 1988, she found love again when she married Allen Rodgers. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, partnership, and service to others. Catherine loved Allen deeply and remained devoted to his memory after his untimely passing in 2008.

 Catherine's greatest joy was her family. She treasured every opportunity to gather her loved ones together, whether for a holiday, a meal, or simply for the joy of being in one another's presence. She especially loved laughing and "cutting up" with her brothers, creating memories that her family will hold close forever. She also had a well-known love for shopping - especially bargain shopping. If Catherine found a good deal, it brought her genuine delight, and that simple joy became one of the many endearing qualities that made her so special. 

Her love extended far beyond her family and into the heart of her community. Alongside her late husband Allen, Catherine opened and operated a convenience store that became much more than a neighborhood business - it became a place of comfort, support, and care. Through that store, Catherine gave freely of herself, whether by offering someone a hot meal, a listening ear, wise advice, or simply a moment of kindness. She was a true matriarch in every sense of the word, and the impact she had on her community is beyond measure.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, Delia and Thedford Purcell; her beloved husband, Allen Rodgers; and her brothers, Arvie Purcell and Jerry Purcell. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughters, Karen Graham (David Graham) and Lanita Johnson; her brothers, Calvin Purcell, Wilbert Purcell, and Leonard Purcell; her sister, Doris Purcell; her grandchildren, David, Denise, and Tiffany; seven great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and an extended community of family, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her warmth, generosity, and love. 

Catherine Rodgers lived a life that spoke for itself - a life of grace, resilience, laughter, service, and unconditional love. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her love was a gift, her life was a blessing, and her legacy will endure for generations to come.