WILMINGTON — Catherine Elizabeth “Cat” Turner, 38, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 14, 2020.
Catherine was born Aug. 20, 1981, in Charleston, South Carolina, under a hurricane warning, no less. This may have been a foreshadowing of how Catherine would endeavor to live her entire life: A powerful surge of beautiful fury leaving in her wake the warmth and sunshine that could illuminate the worst of circumstances with love, relief and life.
Working at Diamonds Bar and Billiards in Ogden for seven years, gave Catherine so many opportunities to do what she loved, meet new people, chat with acquaintances and listen to old friends.
Catherine was an avid Carolina Panthers fan, and a staunch supporter of Duke Blue Devil Basketball. She would gladly go toe to toe and explain in no uncertain terms how supporting any other team would be a rash waste of time. She played fantasy football and had a special bond with her dad, calling during every game to cheer on her teams and trash talk their opponents.
She never entered a room unnoticed, she lit up that room and filled it with her generous spirit, infectious laugh and clever sense of humor. Catherine loved to laugh, and, frankly, you simply couldn’t help but laugh with her.
Catherine lived life on the edge of every possibility, an authentic life, without apologies, without excuses and without regrets. Each day was a new opportunity, to do good, to be better, to discover something new.
She cared deeply for all things around her and would selflessly give whatever she had to anyone she felt needed it. She was a true example of a great friend, a great person…one we could all aspire to be. She was a woman committed to acknowledging a need in the world, and answering it, without any want for reciprocation or thanks.
She was a genuine person, drawing in people from all walks of life, with her acceptance and love. Her ability to balance honesty, love and gentle sensitivity in all things is what attracted people to her. She made and kept friends for a lifetime by being a great listener and a loyal and reliable friend.
Catherine knew no boundaries among friends and family. Her friends were her family, and her family were also her friends.
Catherine was an amazing sister. Sure, there were slamming doors and stubborn shouting matches, as with any adolescent siblings, but the love and devotion that Catherine and Amanda had for one another was tethered, rising above time and space, bound for life…bound for eternity.
Catherine Elizabeth Turner was a once in a lifetime kind of person. If you were fortunate enough to know her, to love her, you should count yourself among the blessed.
In her final example of true selflessness, Catherine had elected to be an organ donor, continuing to care for people even in her passing; giving of herself to improve someone else’s plight.
Catherine’s soul will rest peacefully with the fulfillment of her final choices. Her light will not dim, her laughter will never fade, her memory will endure as her commitment to generosity will inspire others and will carry on well beyond the periphery of where we can see now.
We could not be more proud of our girl, born under that hurricane warning, leaving in her wake a reinvigorated, beautiful future for others. Another new day for them, full of possibilities, draped in relief and hope, covered in Catherine’s spirit and good will.
Catherine leaves behind her parents, Dennis and Leslie Brown of Fort Mill, South Carolina; sister, Amanda Turner of Fort Mill, South Carolina; grandmother, Jean Landrum of Fort Mill, South Carolina; grandmother, Betty Morrison of Charleston, South Carolina; stepsister, Missy Brown Adams, and her husband, Marcus, of Bessemer City; stepbrother, Robbie Brown of Charlotte; and half-sister, Samantha Turner of Kansas. Catherine also leaves behind her beloved dog, Cole, of Wilmington.
The family would like to request that in lieu of flowers, please honor Catherine’s memory and her love for animals by making a donation to Adopt an Angel in Wilmington, a no-kill shelter committed to finding forever homes for pets.
Catherine leaves behind so many friends and colleagues that the list is far too long to include here, but she would want you all to know that you all brought a steady and unwavering source of joy and fulfillment to her life.
Finally, the family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, especially Catherine’s nurse, Elizabeth; and Maria with NHRMC Donor Services. Everyone made every effort to ensure Catherine was comfortable, and her final wishes were honored. Their respect for her life and her choice to donate was handled with incomparable respect and dignity.
Also, for everyone who has reached out, for all of the kindness, support and prayers you have provided during this most difficult time, we are, and will remain, forever grateful.
A celebration of life gathering remembrance will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at Wilmington Funeral Chapel.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
