Rev. Catherine Lee Smith (née Pierce), age 84, passed away on March 31, 2025 in Thornton, Colorado.

Born on July 8, 1940, in Fulton, New York, Cathy grew up with a deep sense of compassion and a calling to serve others. She graduated from Hoke County High School in Raeford, North Carolina and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. Her spiritual journey led her to Perkins Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, where she earned her Master of Divinity.

Cathy dedicated her life to ministry and education. She served as a Director of Christian Education and Associate Minister in several churches across Texas and Colorado. One friend called Cathy the Pied Piper at church as children followed her wherever she went. Her passion for children's ministries and pastoral care touched many lives over the years. 

Cathy was a gifted fiber artist: a prolific quilter and knitter, she also enjoyed cross stitch, smocking, and embroidery. She created hundreds of handcrafted quilts, handknit sweaters, hats, and socks, which she shared with friends and donated to homeless shelters and other charities both locally and abroad. 

Cathy loved singing in school choirs and church services. Some of her fondest memories were traveling with her best friend Betsy Adams to provide special music for United Methodist Women’s groups. In later years, she found joy in listening to her granddaughter’s musical talents—a legacy of song carried forward.

Cathy is survived by her daughter Catherine Spainhour (Richard) and son Joseph Reece Smith III; granddaughters Deirdre, Rhiannon, and Áine; grandsons Mike Smith Rivera and Christian Smith; nieces Susan Small Dwyer (Robert) and Christy Smith Pittman (Mark); nephew Dr. Brian Smith (Caroline); as well as friend Betsy Adams (George) and her sons Mark Wilhite (Robin) and Jeff Wilhite (Dawn) —who were like family to Cathy.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles Irving Pierce and M. Joan Pierce; sisters Ellen Hamilton Pierce and Jane Irving Pierce Small; and close family friend Bert Wilhite.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, in Georgetown, Texas. Service information will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to support the children’s ministries at Grace Episcopal School in Georgetown, Texas and Yesterday’s Gone, a Liberty Hill nonprofit that provides housing and support to women who have been abused, their dependent children, and pets.