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Mrs. Jonnie Mae Catoe was born December 6, 1928 in Kershaw, South Carolina to Andrew and Fanita Mae Clinton. She was the second of five (5) children. She spent her early years residing in Kershaw, SC where she received her primary education and later relocated to Washington D.C. whereas she completed her secondary education.
Jonnie received Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She was baptized by her maternal grandfather Reverend Zedidiah Beckham and resided with him and her grandmother prior to her relocation to Washington D.C. She met Eddie Catoe Sr., the man who would serve as her life long partner and husband of forty-nine (49) years as a child in Kershaw, SC., and later reunited with him in Washington D.C. The two entered matrimony in 1951 and began a family. From this union they had five (5) children.
Mrs. Catoe fulfilled her dream of residing in California in 1956, moving with her family to San Bernardino in 1960, whereas as later attended nursing school at St. Bernadine’s Hospital serving as a “ Candy Striper.” She was well known for her fashion sense. She was well known as a talented and phenomenal seamstress and tailor. She worked in this capacity at Harris & Franks and the old Harris Company in San Bernardino prior to embarking in her own tailoring business. She was highly skilled known for her own designs and patterns producing and hosting numerous fashion shows. Jonnie was a very beautiful, athletic and vibrant woman. She was member of St. Anthony’s Church, later attending Temple Missionary Baptist Church. She was a member of the Les Juenes Ami’s Social Club and the NCO Wives Club.
Jonnie departed this life December 9, 2014. In this life she leaves behind her loving children; Eddie Jr., Kathleen (Randy), David (Sylvia), Donna (Brian), and stepdaughter Melissa (Ira). 6 grandchildren and 1 step-grandchild. 4 great grandchildren and 4 step-children. 1 sister Anna and a host of cousins, nephews and niece.
She was proceeded in death by her loving and devoted husband Eddie Sr., 1 brother Howard, 2 sisters Jean and Minnie Lee, 1 daughter Barbara, 2 grandsons Andrew Paul and Jordan Matthew and 1 step grandson Thomas David.
Services will be held at Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 1583 Union Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411 at 10 a.m., Thursday, December 18, 2014. Viewing at Harrison-Ross Mortuary, 738 East Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2014. Internment at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA 92518 subsequent to services.
