Cathy Janelle Mabry's Obituary
“It is what it is.”
“Cathy lived those simple words every day, greeting life’s ups and downs with calm resolve. Born in Nashville, TN on September 14th, 1954, she carried that steady spirit all the way to her final day in Bethpage, TN on August 21st, 2025.
To her family, she was first and always a loving wife, devoted mother, and doting grandmother. Nothing lifted her more than seeing her children grow strong and her grandchildren laugh at the kitchen table. Friends knew they could count on her loyal heart just as surely as family did.
Cathy’s kitchen was the warm center of every holiday. She would cover the table with macaroni bake, creamy fudge, and whatever new recipe she was eager to share. Even a weeknight supper felt special when her easy smile and well-worn wooden spoon were in charge.
Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights found her in church, hymnal open and voice lifted high. At home she kept Christian music playing softly while she cooked or folded laundry, turning daily chores into quiet praise. The songs seemed to echo her own faith—steady, hopeful, and kind.
Her dogs were family too, spoiled with treats and blankets and addressed with the same gentle tone she used for the grandkids. The way she cared for them showed the best of her: resilient, compassionate, determined, yet always tender. Those traits shaped every bond she formed.
We will miss the scent of supper drifting from her stove, the gospel chorus humming in the hallway, and the quick laugh that followed her favorite saying. May we keep her simple wisdom close and honor her by loving one another as faithfully as she loved us.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter "Pop" and Nancy Mabry, son, Timothy Hensley, siblings, Kenneth Mabry, Carolyn McCollum, Patricia Watson, and Lawrence Mabry, stepfather, Roy Gregory, and her grandparents, "Pop K" and "Big Momma."
Those left behind to cherish her memory are loving husband, Shayne Hester, children Patrick Hensley and Tiffany (Sean) Root, grandchildren, Connor Root, Odin Root, Kira Hensley, Austin Hensley, Dawn Hensley, Taylor Hensley, Allison Hensley, and Charlie Hensley, and 8 great grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com.
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