Cathren Ayers Bonds was born on February 2, 1937 and died on October 7, 2022.
She was one of five children born to Granville Lee and Laura Lucille (Barron) Ayers on February 2, 1937, in Chavies, AL. Her family moved to Chattanooga, where she attended school and married Ben Bullock. Before that union, they had one daughter, whom she called her “masterpiece.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Lucille Ayers, brother Ruel Ayers, cousin Mitchell Ayers, sister-in-law Peggy Ayers, Ben Bullock and Austin Russell Bonds.
Survivors include her daughter, Sherrill (Dennis) Altice of Decatur, AL. Two grandsons, Scott (Mina) Altice of Huntsville, AL and Adam Altice of Tampa, FL. A great-grandson, Cassidy Altice of Miami, FL. Two brothers Tommy Ayers and Charles (Alicia) Ayers and a sister, Debra (Jack) Love. Cousins: Matt (Jennifer) Ayers, David Ayers, Ruel Jr (Maryellen) Ayers, Alanna (Kelly) Callahan, Lisa Underwood, and Angie (Jim) Tucker. Special friend, Micki Shumate from Chattanooga, TN. Her family is eternally grateful for the angels God sent to care for her, Sheri Swoopes-Nash, Ramona Emerson, and Mallory Johns. We also appreciate her many friends and caregivers who have shown their love and support.
From humble beginnings, Cathren’s currency in life has been love. She made time for people by giving a hand or telling a story to improve someone’s day. She enjoyed life and was known for loving her family and friends to the fullest. She loved God, enjoyed studying the Bible, and was always willing to share her faith with others. She was an animal advocate and adopted many fur babies. Among her favorites were Will, Claudia, Pretty Girl and Sheba. She was a giver, loved to laugh and brought excitement and wonder to those around her. In her younger years she loved to dance and would light up a dance floor or bring a sparkle to any room she entered. Cathren had many hobbies and shared her knowledge with enthusiasm. From astrology to poetry, Cathren had the heart and soul of an artist and loved to be creative. She was an avid reader and would escape into her book world for hours.
She cared for babies in her early years, and this was one of her most rewarding experiences. She retired from Provident Life Insurance Company as an insurer. He then taught astrology at Chattanooga State Community College. After her retirement she enjoyed being a caregiver at the Hospice.
Visitation and a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343. Her final resting place service will be at 1:00 PM at Chattanooga Memorial Park (Duck Pond), 501 Memorial Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests making memorials to:
– Hospice of North Alabama: 2457 Mall Road, Florence, AL. 35630
– Decatur Animal Shelter: 300 Beltline Road, SW, Unit A, Decatur, AL. 35601
– First Baptist Church of Decatur: 123 Church Street, NE, Decatur, AL. 35601
Arrangements are entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home and Hamilton Memorial Gardens, 5401 Highway 153, Chattanooga, Tn. 37343.
Fond memories and condolences can be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.