Cathy Sullivan Rhodes, age 55 of Ethelsville, AL, went to be with the lord unexpectedly on Saturday, August 19 while in Caledonia, MS.

She was born January 8th, 1968 in Pottsboro, Texas. After years of moving around, with her father serving in the military, they settled in Ethelsville, AL. She attended Mississippi State University where Cathy held a master's degree in education and was nationally board certified, a testament to her commitment to excellence in teaching. The majority of her teaching career was at Caledonia Elementary School, teaching the fourth and fifth grade. She finished her career at New Hope Elementary Alternative School.

Cathy was a devoted mother, honey, daughter, friend, and teacher. Being surrounded by the people she loved was her happy place. She was the biggest Mickey Mouse fanatic, wanted everything she owned to be in Fuchsia pink, and loved ringing her cowbell and yelling "Hail State". Cathy never met a stranger and to be in her presence was to be greeted with love, loyalty, and laughter. Beyond her professional and familial roles, Cathy found solace in her faith and her church community at Fairview Baptist church. She had a lot of impact in so many lives, especially every student she ever taught. She had an extreme passion for teaching and she put her heart and soul into helping kids learn with extra activities that she would work on in her personal time. Cathy was a giver and always put her family first with unconditional love. This world is now more dark without her bright light in it.

She is preceded in death by her parents Corine (Kitty) and Boyd Sullivan, and her brother Rusty Sullivan.

Cathy is survived by her three sons, Chase Gilliland and his wife Holly Gilliland of Tuscaloosa, AL, Jacob Rhodes of Ethelsville, AL, and Dalton Rhodes and his wife Rachel Rhodes of Columbus, MS; Two grandchildren, Sophia Gilliland and Jeffrey Daniel (JD) Gilliland; Three sisters, Linda Parker and husband Terry of Terry, MS, Brenda Wilson and husband Ray of Richmond, Kentucky, and Lisa Shannon and husband Lonnie of Raymond, MS.

As we say goodbye, let us celebrate the impact she had on our lives and the legacy she leaves behind. Cathy's celebration of life will be held at Fairview Baptist church on Friday, September 1st in Columbus, MS from 4-5:30 PM