Catherine passed peacefully from this life the morning of December 4th, 2014. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life.
Catherine Shubrooks was born in St. Inigoes, Maryland to Samuel Shubrooks and Juliet (Milburn-Bennett) Shubrooks. Beginning her education in a one-room schoolhouse in St. Inigoes, Maryland, Catherine quickly proved to be an intelligent and decisive child. She continued her education at Jarboesville High School in Lexington Park, Maryland. Following her education, Catherine worked in a variety of jobs from housekeeping to dry cleaning to laundry work.
As a child, Catherine was a faithful member of Mount Zion United Methodist Church where she sang on the choir and participated in numerous church activities. Throughout her life, Catherine faithfully lived the scriptural edict, Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your might.”
At the age of 25, Catherine met the love of her life, Raymond Eugene Chisley. After only 5 years of marriage and much to Catherine’s dismay, Raymond met an untimely death. However, Catherine continued to live an Ecclesiastes 9:10 life and worked diligently to support her daughter and herself.
Eventually, Catherine spent time in New Jersey and Washington, DC, prior to moving to Baltimore, Maryland where she retired from St. Joseph’s Hospital after many years of faithful service. Following her retirement, Catherine returned to her childhood home of Southern Maryland. After her return, Catherine rejoined the church of her youth, Mount Zion United Methodist Church, where she faithfully attended as her health permitted. Catherine also attended St. Peter Claver Catholic Church with her daughter, Dorothy.
Catherine was kindhearted and loving. She was known for her love of people, particularly children and babies. Well into her eighties, Catherine babysat at least 20 children – ages ranging from 3 months to pre-teen. She also loved animals and owned a variety of pets throughout her life. And, just like the children who loved her, the animals she cared for loved her too.
Catherine loved cooking and inviting family and friends to share a meal with her. She also loved music particularly gospel music and loved to sing and dance with her grandchildren. Catherine easily made friends. She consistently spoke to everyone she met and soon became well acquainted with each one of them. Clearly she believed in Hebrews 13:2, “Be not afraid to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Catherine leaves to treasure her memories, her daughter, Dorothy Mae Gant; her seven grandchildren: Cheryl Branch (David), Ramona Hopps (Keith), Robin Jackson (Douglas), Carmel Ziemski (Michael), Kathie Gant, Trina Gant, and Robert Gant, Jr. (Dawn); her brother Leonard Shubrooks, and her sister-in-law Idolia Shubrooks. She also leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones too numerous to list.
In addition to her parents, Catherine is preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond, her son-in-law Robert Gant, Sr., two sisters: Lucy Lee and Anna Fenwick, four brothers: Joseph Smith, Clarence Shubrooks, Robert Shubrooks, and James Shubrooks, and one great-grandchild, Elijah Joel Gant.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am until service at 11:00 am on Friday, December 12, 2014 at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 16922 St. Peter Claver Church Rd., St. Inigoes, MD 20684. Interment to follow at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery, 17475 Mt. Zion Rd., St. Inigoes, MD.
Arrangements by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.
