Ms. Catherine E. Douglas

Catherine Evelyn Douglas was born in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late Pearl Lockman Bird and Lafayette Dickerson Bird. She was one of eight children. She was raised in South Philadelphia at 20th and Reed Street. She received her education through the Philadelphia Public School System. Catherine met the love of her life Wendell S. Douglas who preceded her in death. They were blessed with one child, Wendell Douglas Jr. 

As many have experienced, Catherine’s house became home to numerous family members. Catherine enjoyed cooking and hosted plenty of holiday dinners for family and friends. She became known from Philly to the Carolinas for her famous shrimp & macaroni salad. She was a stickler for detail and perfectionist when it came to cleaning her house. She loved traveling with her siblings and grandchildren and spending time at the Jersey shores. She once escorted her grandson Courtney on a class trip to Paris, France. What brought her the most joy, was spending time with her grand and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed sitting on her patio observing the happenings in her neighborhood and was given the name “Cat the Cop”. 

Catherine selflessly, dedicated her life to loving and caring for her family. She was a hard worker and always kept two jobs. She worked as a server at Jack Callahans, Hot Shop Juniors, and the Philadelphia Naval Base until her retirement with the fulltime position at the Delaware River Port Authority in 1998. 

On September 30, 2023, Catherine received her wings. She leaves to cherish in her memory, her only son Wendell J. Douglas (Deborah), 3 grandchildren Steffond Douglas (Alexis), Courtney Douglas, Whitney Fulton (Walter), 9 great-grands, her siblings Cassandra McCall (Wayne), Lafayette Bird Jr. (Maybelle), and Leon Bird. Her best friends Joyce Woods and Drew Porter. Siblings preceding her in death, Hazel Bird, Donald Bird, Jaqueline Bird, and Helen Smith. Along, with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.