atherine “Cathy” Rhode Wilson, 75, of Norwalk, departed this life on Friday, November 15, 2024. She was the wife of the late Johnny L. Wilson. Cathy was born on January 5, 1949, in Orangeburg County, South Carolina to the late Fred & Jettie Rhode.

When the Rhode family relocated to Norwalk in the 1950’s, Cathy joined Calvary Baptist Church and attended Norwalk Public Schools. From a young age, Cathy had a passion for modeling, and with determination, she followed her passion, landing jobs as a fashion model. During this time, she met Johnny Wilson and the two were married on June 14,1976. Later, they had two sons, Omar and Jonathan.

Cathy worked for over 30 years as a customer service representative at numerous companies in the area, including Purdue Pharma and, most recently, Penny Publications. Cathy also had a passion for creativity and volunteered many years as the creative director of the youth choir and vacation bible school at Calvary Baptist Church. Her creativity, sense of fashion and compassion for youth in the community earned her great respect and admiration and she was considered “like a mother” by many. Above all, she was well-known for her delicious meals and baked goods.

Cathy was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all. She will truly be missed.

Those left to cherish her loving memories are two sons, Omar (Maisha) Wilson and Jonathan (Crystal) Wilson, of Norwalk; three sisters, Helen Harris and Dorothy Hall of Norwalk, CT, and Daisy Clark of Bowie, MD; one brother, Nesbert (Etta) Rhode of Columbia, SC; three granddaughters, Asia, Trinity and Eden; five grandsons, Noble, Mesyah, King, Ronin and Cain; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.