Catherine Burnett-Taylor

  Catherine Burnett-Taylor was born on October 2, 1949 in Guilford County, NC. to Mourine
Burnett and the late Otha Burnett. On Friday April 9th, she closed her eyes and entered into
eternal rest.
  Fondly known as “Cathy” by all who loved her, Cathy attended her formal school years in
Guilford County, graduating from high school in 1967. Following graduation, she matriculated
to North Carolina A&T State University and graduated in 1971 with a B.S. degree in Institutional
Management. Cathy had a great love for cooking, so it was a no brainer that she chose to
become a registered dietitian. This profession would require that she complete a fellowship
which she achieved in Shaker Heights, OH. After her fellowship, she moved to Maryland and
started her career with Prince George’s County Hospital.
   Maryland is where she would marry the love of her life, the late, Lemuel G. Taylor. Together
they raised a son, Cedric, and he was Cathy’s pride and joy. Cedric kept his parents busy as they
frequently travelled to attend all of his swimming meets. Cathy and Lenny spent most holidays,
Christmas eve and memorial day to name a few, entertaining friends and family at their home
with great food events that featured Cathy’s extraordinary passion for cooking and baking.
Catherine Burnett-Taylor began her 41-year career at Howard University Hospital in July 1977
as a Registered, Licensed Dietitian in the Department of Clinical Nutrition Services and as
Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Howard University.
   During the course of her career, Cathy served as Clinical Dietitian/Nutritionist in the areas of
General, Renal and Pediatric Medicine. While maintaining her duties in the Department of
Clinical Nutrition services, Cathy also assisted the Department of Endocrinology with the vision
of a State-of-the-Art Diabetes Treatment Center. She was instrumental in the development of

the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program and the subsequent achieve-
ment of Recognition by the American Diabetes Association for meeting the National Standards

for Diabetes Education. Cathy obtained her certification as a Certified Diabetes Care and Edu-
cation Specialist (CDCES) in 2007 and transition to the full time Nutritionist Diabetes Educator in

the Diabetes Treatment Center which opened in March 2007. Cathy was known for her
culinary skills specifically her baking. At every celebratory event in the Diabetes Treatment
Center the main event was always Cathy’s desserts. At her retirement party she was gracious
enough to share her dessert recipes. Though so many have tried none can ever make it quite
like Cathy. Cathy Burnett-Taylor retired in October 2018. She will always be remembered as an
exceptional and compassionate care giver.

   Before retirement, Cathy developed a secondary passion for running. She trained and success-
fully completed two marathons, one of which was the famous Marine Corps Marathon in 2015.

   She leaves to cherish the memory of her wonderful life, her loving son, Cedric Taylor of Elkridge,
MD, her devoted mother, Mourine Burnett of Greensboro, NC, two devoted brothers, Charles
Burnett (Gloria) of Greenbelt, MD and Clayton Burnett (Geraldine) of Greensboro, NC.; two
loving aunts, Beatrice Marsh and Gladys Morehead both of Greensboro, NC and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.