Cathy Ellen Shirah of Lakeland, Florida, beloved mother of three children, passed away at her family home on 16 August, leaving a void her family cannot fill.
She was born in Williamsburg, Kentucky, in 1953 to James and Polly Murphy and spent her formative years between Kentucky and Florida. At age fourteen, after the loss of her mother, she left school to tend to her siblings until she married and began a life of her
own. Cathy achieved her dream of a high school diploma in her early thirties by completing her GED and then completing a certification in business.
Cathy was a devoted mother to Jerry, Frankie, and Billy Lowden, her pride and joys. She always said their births changed her life for the better, and they felt that in the love and support she provided.
Cathy enjoyed every aspect of motherhood and had fond memories of watching her children play at family gatherings.
Cathy was preceded in death by Harvey "Frankie" Lowden, her second oldest son. She is survived by her husband, Billy D. Shirah Jr., and sons Jerry and Billy Lowden, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives. She is also survived by her sisters, Shiela and Ann Hampton, her brother, Edward Murphy, as well as grandchildren Jerry, Autumn, Jordan, Gavin, Xavier, and Summer, in addition to multiple nieces and nephews.
The viewing will be held on 23 August, beginning at 5:00 P.M. for the immediate family and 6:00 P.M for friends at Lanier Funeral Home, 717 Griffin Rd, Lakeland, FL 33805.
Funeral services will be held on 24 August at 10:00 A.M. a Lanier Funeral Home with an additional graveside service at Bethel Cemetery, shortly after at 3125 W. Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, Florida 33810.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.