Catherine Gant was born on April 15, 1970 to Grace Christian (deceased) and Orlando Phillips in Queens, New York. Her mother’s only child, she was known by her loved ones as “Cathy.” Cathy attended New York City Public Schools and later earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Touro College. Throughout Cathy’s life, she cultivated a love of listening to music, dancing and creating lasting memories with loved ones. Cathy’s love of music and dancing (particularly from the 60s, 70s, and 80s) made it easy for her to be both an exceptional hostess and the life of the party. She loved to have a house full of people and always made everyone feel at home with her one-of-a-kind cooking, infectious laugh and unforgettable smile that lit up the room.
Her greatest gifts were her children: DeAndre, Deshaun, Devonte and Shadae. Her love for her children and bonus daughter, Dabrianna, ran deep and she will be remembered most for her generosity, loyalty and support. Cathy would often say the phrases “To the moon” and “Ain’t nothin’ to it, but to do it” to her children. One of the greatest lessons she left them with is the encouragement to go after all of their dreams with an unwavering belief that if you put your mind to it, anything is attainable. She was a woman who took no mess from anyone and at the same time would give you the shirt off her back if you were in need.
In 1999, Cathy moved from Queens to Columbus, Ohio where she joined New Birth Christian Ministries and was an active member. In her spare time, she could be found painting, playing cards and cooking her favorite dishes from around the world – especially seafood. Cathy had a youth-like fascination with the world and would find the joy in every moment. She leaves a legacy of celebrating every milestone.
On July 16, 2021, Cathy departed this life. She leaves to cherish her memory her father, Orlando Phillips; bonus mother, Mary-Jo Beverly; siblings, Yolanda Phillips, Orlando Phillips, Jr. and Willie Beverly (Susan); devoted children, DeAndre Christian, Deshaun Christian, Devonte Gant and Shadae Gant; bonus daughter, Dabrianna Reeves; adoring grandchildren, Nevaeh Gant, Zy’air Gant and soon-to-be Baby Christian; father of her children, Antonio Gant and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones. Her mother, Grace Christian and siblings, Fay Phillips-LeSane and Alonzo Phillips preceded her in death.
Beloved by all who knew her, may her spirit of love, strength, perseverance and generosity resonate forever.
Private Visitation 4:00 PM and Private Funeral Service 5:00 PM Saturday, July 24, 2021 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).Repast following services 6:30pm The Antique Suite Event Venue 2168 Citygate Drive Columbus, OH 43219
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As I didn’t know you long or even ever met you you touched my heart just by talking to you on messenger video or playing one of your live games in what you called the boom boom room I will miss you Mrs Cathy my prayer and condolences are with your family may your children find comfort in knowing you are no longer suffering and is with the lord….
My condolences to the family. Grew up with Cathy. We had some great memories. She will be deeply missed.
My condolences to the family. I Grew up with Cathy. We had some great memories. She will be deeply missed.
Love you miss you more
Cathy was our sister from another mister. I remember her always being with us (Pandora, Minnie, Deirdre, Latoya) in Farrockaway. Later I would visit her and the kids in the Bronx. When I went to Philly to visit my family, Cathy often tagged along because she was family too. Cathy was always down for whatever. She would never let nobody mess with you. When she moved to Ohio, I missed her so much. But Cathy was ready to travel wherever we went. We partied with Cathy on the Capricorn cruise, she was at our dining table and would crack us up. We had so much fun traveling to Grand Turk, Bahamas, and Dominican Republic. When Pandora turned 50 she showed up in Vegas and we had soooo much fun. Cathy was the life of the party. Recently, Cathy was on FaceTime with Deirdre and me making plans to come to Florida. Despite doctors orders she was getting on a plane to visit. I said to Deirdre and Cathy “what am I gonna do with both of yall on hospice sleeping in the same bed?” Cathy didn’t care she was coming. We will miss you Cathy. Your laughter, your smile, your positivity lives on. You will always be apart of us, Always Pandora, Minnie, Deirdre, Latoya, and Cousin Cathy. Thank you for supporting my travel business and I’m gonna miss your bingo tournaments. To the children, I know this pain. Please reach out to your cousin Toya any time. Family is all we got. Hopefully we can plan a trip in honor of Cathy and Deirdre. We are all hurting and I look forward to being with you guys one day soon. Hugs and Kisses from Florida.
My Condolences to you and your family…Im praying for the family to find peace.
My condolences to you and your family… you truly will be missed.
Cathy was a friend of mine in Far Rockaway, Queens. She was always a joy to be around and loved to have good time! I’m glad I was able to hear her voice one last time as she gave me a shout out during her Facebook live online games. She will be dearly missed! May great memories, comfort and love get you through your sorrow.
To my mostest bestest Cousin in the whole entire world I mean we rolled hard together got our Asses beat together then when we was grown we still stuck together like crazy glue lol . Girl I’m gone miss you like crazy you know when family was coming I called to tell you they was coming hahahahahaha old habits will never die this stuffs unreal but the good thing I know for a fact I’ll see you again girl . I love you girl for life and am straight happy for all the memories we all shared together I mean there’s so many we can’t count em. Well until we meet again girl you’ll never ever be forgotten on some real we holding it down.
All I can think about is your bright smile, always smiling, laughing and having a good time no matter the circumstance. You always treated myself and Deshaun’s friends like one of your own and for that I’m grateful. Love you Ms. Cathy. Praying for strength for the family during this difficult time.
My fist cousin Catherine Gant girl I always felt like Ethel to your Lucy we always was trying out some get rich quick scene that never went through. Lol she had a ton of them. I love you girl I’ll miss you I’ll always rep you just like NYC. You’re forever in my heart and soul. Until we meet again baby rest no more pain and hurt and disease and sickness. You in heaven I know for sure I love you my dearest cousin. My heart is heavy but I know you was my girl we rode hard. Do it up there like a G see you in heaven.