Laura Barnes Cathey

Laura Barnes Cathey, age 92 went to be with Bob, Nancy, and her beloved siblings on Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Columbia, Tennessee.

Laura was born on October 24, 1932 in Holts Corner (Holtland), Tennessee to John and Ruby Riggs Barnes. She graduated from Forrest High School in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, where she played guard and forward on the basketball team and was a cheerleader. It was there that she met Bob.

They were married August 9, 1953 at First United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. Laura worked at the Methodist Publishing House in Nashville before starting and raising her family, which was her lifelong devotion. Laura attended First United Methodist Church in Columbia, where she and Bob made their home and lived their entire lives.

Laura’s family knew her as funny, loving, and generous. She was a fabulous cook and went to great lengths to extend hospitality and make sure everyone was taken care of. She loved her husband, and her children would like to extend their thanks to her for keeping him alive during the many adventurous home projects and trips to the river that the family experienced. She had a strong moral compass and took every opportunity to humorously but firmly educate her children on the right way to do things. At the same time, she was supportive and encouraging, and she treasured the company of her family.

The Columbia community knew Laura as an engaged and willing force to get things done. She was involved in numerous community organizations, including volunteer work with the James K. Polk Home, the Maury Regional Hospital Auxiliary, treasurer of the Charles Place HOA, and both the Girl Scouts and the Cub Scouts.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Reynolds Cathey, Sr. and her daughter, Nancy Cathey Mauney. She also is preceded in death by her sister Jean Barnes Blackwell and brothers Lynn Barnes and Riggs Barnes. She is survived by: her daughter Barbara Cathey Winchester (husband Keith Winchester), her daughter Christie Cathey Long (husband Wiley Perry Long, III), and her son Robert Reynolds Cathey, Jr. (wife Amy Stevenson Cathey). She is also survived by her son-in-law, John Kester Mauney, Jr. Additionally, she is survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Internment is at Polk Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to the Robert Andrew Mauney Special Needs Trust, care of Montee Sneed, Caledonia Financial, 708 N Main St, Columbia, TN 38401, (931) 388-7171. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.