Elizabeth "Lizzie" Catchings

On a beautiful day, October 19, 1932, a beautiful baby girl, Elizabeth Mae Washington was born to Lovie Deere and Sellmon Washington in Camden, MS. Most people did not call her Elizabeth, to them she was Lizzie or Liz. Lizzie grew up as the second oldest girl of the family. At an Early age she accepted Christ at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Camden, MS. 

As a young lady, Lizzie met Robert Lee “Buddy” Catchings and they were married on December 7, 1947 in Canton MS. In Canton, they welcomed their first two children, Willie M. Catchings, (deceased), and Robert C. (Denise) Catchings, currently of Naperville, IL. 

Robert and Lizzie moved to Joliet, IL in 1956. After their move to Illinois, they had four more children, Patsy Catchings, Ronnie D. (Emma) Catchings, Pamela J. Jones all still reside in Joliet, and Darrell K. Catchings who relocated to McKinney, TX.

Lizzie and her husband enjoyed hosting dinner parties and holiday gatherings, their home was always open to everyone who needed a good meal and a great conversation. Lizzie was a dedicated wife and mother but cherished her role as a grandmother. 

Lizzie worked at various places in Joliet, including St. Joseph Hospital, Holiday Inn, and EcoLab. She accumulated a number of friends and acquaintances during this time. When she retired from EcoLab in 1993, she devoted herself to her family fulltime, making sure that her grandchildren and great grandchildren went to school, after cooking them breakfast, and arrived home safely to the dinner she had waiting for them. 

Surrounded by family, Lizzie went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, January 12, 2021. She went on resting peacefully and was welcomed home by her loved ones who she talked about every day in her final months of life. 

Lizzie is preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Lee “Buddy” Catchings, and he eldest Daughter Willie Mae Catchings. Parents Sellmon and Lovie Washington, three sisters Luzanne Flemings, Essie Lee Washington, and Dorothy Jones, three brothers Booker T. Washington, Roosevelt Washington, and Simon P. Washington

She is survived by her two brothers, Benjamin (Barbara) Washington of Joliet, IL, Paul Washington of Collins, MS, and a brother-in-law Charlie Jones of Lockport, IL. Two sisters- in-laws Essie Mae Washington of Waterloo, IA and Pearlie Mae Washington of Collins, MS.

She leaves behind a monumental family as a living legacy, including, her 18 grandchildren, 37 great- grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, and her Godson Philip (Jackie) Clarke. Also, a host of loving nieces and nephews, cousin, and friends.

The family would like to acknowledge Aysiah Chavez, Tiffany Kelly, and Peace Hospice. Thank you so much for making our mother’s transition comfortable for her and more efficient for us, your help allowed her to pass on surrounded by her family. 

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