Mrs. Catherine Vivian Fennell

“Now we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” 2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV). Catherine Vivian Fennell was born on April 14, 1948, to the late Anna S. Epps and J.D. Epps at Highsmith Hospital in Fayetteville, NC. God called her home on Sunday December 26th, 2022, at 5:02 a.m. at UNC Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill NC. Catherine attended Armstrong Elementary in Eastover, NC and graduated high school in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She obtained her associate degree in 2014 and bachelor’s degree in 2016 from Apex School of Theology in Durham, NC. In 2019, she obtained her master’s degree in Education from Hosanna Bible College in Durham, NC. Until her untimely illness, she was working toward her second master’s degree in Divinity from Charlotte Christian College Theological Seminary in Charlotte NC. She was so motivated to complete her assignments in a timely manner that she worked on, completed, and submitted her work the night before she was hospitalized on November 26, 2022. She met the love of her life Alexander Fennell in 1978. They dated for five years and were united in holy matrimony on June 12, 1983. Alexander loved singing to her, his favorite song to her was “You are so Beautiful” When he would sing, she would give him that contagious smile that lit up the room. They were each other’s companion, friend, and caretaker. Her nickname for him was “Daddy”. Alexander loved, supported, and sat by her bedside to help nourish her back to health. They were married for 39 years and together for 44 years. They loved each other until death drew them apart on Sunday December 26, 2022. As a child she traveled with Bishop McLaughlin to sing at various churches. Before she accepted Christ as the Lord of her life, she loved to sing Blues. She was known by her stage name Lady “D” (Diamond). Her love for music never changed, she just switched partners. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and joined Fayetteville Deliverance Evangelistic Center in Fayetteville, NC. She was an active and faithful member until she joined Plain Truth Church in Fayetteville, NC. At Plain Truth Church, she served as an Evangelist. She was the mother of the church and President of the Pastor’s Aid Committee. She worked in any capacity that she was needed in. She loved singing for the Lord. She had a beautiful voice, wrote songs, and also made CD’s. She loved singing to lift other people’s spirits. She was a counselor to many and a listening ear to everyone. She never met a stranger. Even though she didn’t have any biological children of her own, she loved children and was a mother to many. Everyone called her Aunt Cat. She was a woman of faith and believed in the power of prayer. She had no problems being an intercessor on your behalf. She opened her home to the homeless and never turned those away that needed a place to call home. She loved to watch television; her favorites were Westerns. Everyone knew her favorite movie was “Pretty Woman” and “Wonder Woman”. Her favorite artist was Marvin Winans. She had a passion for cooking and her family will miss her special dishes she prepared for birthdays and holidays. She will be missed at home and in the community. There will never be another Aunt Cat. Catherine was preceded in death by her mother; Anna Epps, her father; J.D. Epps, three sisters; Bobbie Mae Randleman, Ora Owen, and Darlene Britt. Two brothers; James and Charles Epps. Catherine (Aunt Cat) leaves to cherish her fond memories; her husband of 39 years Alexander Fennell of the home, two sisters; Costella Pope of Fayetteville NC; and Annie Clark of Charlotte, NC; two brothers; Grady Epps and Ceasar Epps (Marquita) of Fayetteville NC: Three special nieces, Monique Hall (Eric) of Fayetteville, NC; Tonja Brady and Shiyearrah Carvin of Tampa, Florida. Two special nephews: Claxton Royal Jr, and Jeremy Royal of Fayetteville, NC. Three sister-n-laws Sallie Mae Scriven of Georgia; Christine Fisher and Betty Ann McMillian of Fayetteville, NC. Her life-long best friend Phyllis Payton of Fayetteville, NC. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family and friends.

Mrs. Catherine Vivian Fennell

April 14, 1948 - December 26, 2022