Catherine Cox Cavin age 81, daughter of the late Benjamin Gano Cox and Elizabeth Vaughn Cox, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at her home in Surfside Beach, SC. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Rev. Donald E Cavin, children DeLeith Brooks (Cris Anderson), Sandra Pouncey (Ken), Scott Cavin (Jean), Wes Cavin (Lee Anne), 9 grandchildren (Blaire, Brittany, Joy, Blake, Kyle, JC, Anna, Mac, and Morgan), and 8 great-grandchildren (1 more on the way). Catherine and Don were married on June 14, 1958 in Spartanburg SC (2nd Presbyterian Church) and actively served in all of the United Methodist churches he pastored – Albany, GA; Bath, SC; Greenwood, SC (St Mark); Ballentine, SC (Salem); Clover, SC (First); Marion, SC (First); Greenville, SC (Lee Road, Berea Friendship, Arrington Memorial); and Greer, SC (Memorial). Loving wife and mother, Catherine fully supported her husband’s call to ministry and her children & grandchildren’s many activities, for which she was often their personal chauffer. She loved to do anything with her hands, whether it be cooking, sewing, or crocheting and was an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks (“Hit him again, Ribock!”). Dating back to her days as a young girl on the South Carolina coast, she loved to camp and spend time with her family. 

A graduate of Spartanburg High School, Class of 1957 and Cecil’s Business College in Spartanburg, Catherine served as a Teacher’s Aide in Lexington School District 5 from 1970-1975, Secretary for United Methodist Church District offices in Greenwood in the 1960’s and Marion in the early 1980’s, and Executive Secretary for the Louis Rich Corporation in the mid-1970’s to early 1980’s. From 1985 until her retirement in the early 2000’s she worked in various Administrative roles for the Liberty Life Insurance Company in Greenville, SC. Throughout her adult life, she was a committed leader in the United Methodist Women (serving 2 different terms as President of the Greenville District UMW and multiple roles in the South Carolina UMC Annual Conference UMW). A skilled musician, Catherine served as organist and pianist in multiple churches or organizations and provided private lessons for many over the years.

In recent years, she suffered declining health due to severe strokes and the terrible impacts of dementia. What was weakened late in her life has now been restored by Jesus! She’s probably singing the words from her favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art”:
“When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art”

In lieu of flowers, Catherine requests memorial gifts be made in her memory to the United Methodist Women’s ministries of the local United Methodist churches served by her and Don or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Amedisys Hospice and their wonderful staff (Angela, Karen, Karen, Amy, and others) for the amazing care and love shown to Catherine throughout her final years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Memorial United Methodist Church, Greer, SC: Prior to the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the Church Fellowship Hall from 10am until 12:00pm. The memorial service will be held in the Church Sanctuary. Masks are required and social distancing recommendations will be followed at all times while inside the church buildings. If you have been feeling unwell or otherwise unable to attend in person, please join us via the Live Stream.