Rev. Dr. Cathey Elaine Bruce, a resident of Montgomery, Al, gained her heavenly wings February 9, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. from St. Paul AME Church – 706 East Patton Ave. Montgomery, Al 36111.

_____________________________________________

FULL OBITUARY

Rev. Dr. Cathey Elaine Bruce was born in Montgomery, AL to doting parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. and Florence Mae Hill Bruce on October 16, 1963.

Cathey, as she loved to be called by all despite being a minister, accepted her Lord and Savior at the age of six and was baptized at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the youth choir and reading the scripture. At the age of nine, Cathey continued her religious faith at St. Jude Catholic Institute and later united with St. John A.M.E. Church under the divine leadership of God Almighty and Rev. James E. Arnell.

Cathey was called to preach and teach God’s word in 1996 and served as an Associate Minister at her beloved home Church, St. John A.M.E. Church in Montgomery, AL; Historic Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Prattville, AL; and Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Montgomery, AL. She faithfully served as the senior pastor of Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church, Montgomery; Jones Chapel AME Church, Omega; Hopewell A.M.E. Church, Brundige; Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church, Sardis; and currently, Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church, Selma.

Beyond the local pulpit, Pastor Cathey also compassionately served in several conference and district capacities: 9th District Christian Debutante Masters Commission Life Skills and Community Service Coordinator; Alabama River Region Board of Examiners Class on Admissions; Alabama River Region Social Action Chair; Alabama River Region Women In Ministry Coordinator; Executive Director of the Montgomery Selma District (MSD) Beacon of Light and Hope center, and a member of the MSD Health Commission.

She had a true servant’s heart, demonstrated through her community service work as an Advocate for Youth and Elderly Abuse, Bullying, and Domestic Violence; Served as Montgomery Police Department Assistant Chaplain; Board President of Successful Living (Alzheimer’s Daycare Facility); Consulted with families of Alzheimer’s patients (how to provide Quality of Life); and Board President of The Beacon of Light & Hope Center (Rural Counties)

Adhering to the word of God “to Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” Cathey earned her Doctorate in Divinity from Bosie State in Bosie, ID. She also held a B.S. in Criminal Justice & Business Administration / Communications; a Juris Master in Legal Studies and Law; Masters in Criminal Justice and Public Administration; and was pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration.

Cathey had a vast and diverse career as a Director of Legal Call Center; Medicaid - Medicare and Private Insurance Provider Liaison; a Medical Laboratory Representative/Manager; a Customer Service Call Center Supervisor; a Hospital Lab and Cardiac Technician and Phlebotomist; and a Private and Medical investigator.

In addition to being a Die-Hard Alabama Fan – Roll Tide, Cathy was a true Saint Jude Pirate. A spirited member of the Class of 1982, she was instrumental in coordinating class birthday celebrations and socials. Cathey worked faithfully with Saint Jude’s alumni committee to coordinate the annual Thanksgiving Alumni Reunion. “To Thee We Sing Saint Jude Our Alma Mater.”

Cathey was called home to the Holy Zion on February 9, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved eldest brother, Mr. Charlie Edward Bruce, Sr.

She leaves to treasure her memories: her sister, Jacqueline A. (Leroy) Bruce-Freeman; brother, Floyd E. Bruce; niece, Jocelynne Nicole Bruce all of Montgomery, AL; one great nephew, Devin Hall; a devoted Uncle Bennie Hill, Ramer, AL; a devoted God-daughter, Charity Harris, Montgomery, AL; and a host of family members: The McDonald’s Family, Montgomery, AL; The Hill Family, Ramer, AL and Columbus, OH; The Bibbing Family, Atlanta, GA; The Bell Family, Montgomery, AL, McDonough, GA and Folkston, GA; The Walker and Bruce Family, Montgomery, AL and El Paso, Texas; and five very devoted friends: Tracey R. Harris, Vickie Jones Locke, Sheyann Webb Christburg, Rev. Dr. Agnes Lover and Rev. Dr. Michael Bush.