Catherine f. Powell

Obituary
Catherine Felicia Powell Gibson, affectionately known as FeeFee, was born on May 9, 1960, in Cleveland, Ohio, full of life and energy as the youngest child to Minnie and John Powell who proceeded her in death. Also, her sister Claudette, proceeded her in death and brother, Norris Hill Sr. Catherine met and fell in love with Anthony W. Gibson in 1990. They dated for ten years and married in 2005. Catherine was the proud sister of Bernice (Cookie) and Claudette (TeeDee). Cookie and TeeDee spoiled their sister, Catherine, because of the 14- and 15-years age difference.
Cathrine graduated from John Adams High School in 1978. She was a proud Rebel and often attended class reunion activities and Roll Call activities. After graduating from John Adams High School, she began her career as an United States Federal employee. Catherine started as an employee at Internal Revenue Service. Later, she transferred to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). During her tenure at FTC, her colleagues became like family to her. She often house sat for them and babysat their children. Catherine retired from FTC, after serving faithfully for 25 years. During her time at FTC, she was sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to investigate funeral homes for over charging their customers for funeral services. Catherine, her family, and Anthony were very proud and excited about the assignment.
After retiring from FTC, Catherine became a caregiver for many elderly family members, including her parents, and sister, Claudette. During this time, she found the time to participate in many community organizations. The organizations included: Resident for Community Change Making a Difference, Fourth District Police Committee, and a member of Fourth District Commander’s Committee. During her commitment to the various community organizations, Catherine wore many hats: president, and secretary, just to name a few. Catherine enjoyed working with her committee members and forming lasting relationships. She enjoyed serving the community, assisting with organizing various activities, and cooking for meetings, and events. During her illness, Catherine remained active in these organizations and continued to proudly serve the community.
After the passing of her sister, Claudette in December of 2021, Catherine began a new career at the Bowman Center in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood in 2022. She was initially hired to create and implement the Grandparents’ program. However, the program became part of the senior program, Catherine became the Senior Services Coordinator. She truly enjoyed working at the center, developing relationships, cooking, and helping the community. Catherine continued to work at the center while battling her illness until a few weeks before her passing. She would not have had it any other way!

Catherine’s mom and sisters joined Providence Missionary Baptist Church in the late 1950’s under the pastorship of John Dobbins. Catherine accepted Christ as her savior when she was a young girl. During her membership at Providence, she participated in the youth department, under the leadership of Sister Delores Bizzle Ritman, and Sister Mattie Myles. Both Sister Ritman and Sister Myles were like second mothers to her. Catherine enjoyed attending Sunday School, and Baptist Training Union. Catherine developed a special relationship with her Sunday School teacher, Lynita Mithcell Carter. She also was a member of the youth choir, and many more ministries.
Catherine enjoyed traveling to Canada with her husband, Anthony. They enjoyed going out to dinner, attending family functions, and dancing at friends and family members’ wedding receptions. One of the funniest parts of their marriage was attending a Parliament concert on Halloween and dressing up in their costumes. They were the talk of the town!!! Catherine was an avid artist. She often displayed her talent in scrap books, murals, puzzles, and her precious doll house. Catherine enjoyed taking fencing classes at TRI-C College.
Catherine became a responsible and mature aunt at the early age of 5 years. She loved her nieces, great nieces, and cousins. Catherine often reminisced about her childhood, traveling with her family, attending family reunions, and events. She cherished the moments of spending time with her first cousins, the Beards, Powells, and Smiths. Catherine also loved her friends, colleagues from FTC, and her new family/colleagues from the Bowman Center. She found joy in helping family and seniors that needed food, and household items. At an early age (8 years old) she began cooking and continued to display her skills and love for cooking by cooking for family members, neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
Catherine “FeeFee” leaves behind to cherish her precious memories and legacy: Husband: Anthony W. Gibson, Sister: Bernice “Cookie” Johnson. Brother: Ernest Hill (Patricia). Nieces: Jennifer Powell, Anica Hill, and Jessica S. Binder (Christopher). Nephew: Norris Jr. (Brittany). Brother-in-law Chauncey (Rachel). Stepchildren: Andre (Olivia), Alana Gibson. Step Grandson: Tavein, and Aiden. Bonus family Denise, Ishmael, Darrol (passed three days after FeeFee). Her special hearts Kevin and Kamora Martin. Also, a host of cousins, special childhood, adulthood friends, Providence Baptist Church friends, FTC colleagues, and Bowman Center colleagues.