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Obituary For Rev. Dr. Cathey Elaine Bruce
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.
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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.
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Cathey, as you explore the heavenly realms, 🕊 the St. Jude Pirates wish you all our love, peace and happiness❣️ Anchored in Christ, ⚓ St. Jude's Alumni and Friends Assn.
My thoughts and prayers to the family of Cathy Bruce. She and I worked together for awhile at the Montgomery Advertiser and I'm so sad to just now, today hearing of her passing. Cathy was a good person. We were close at one time and like so many others-we parted ways. I was in her wedding to Frank. I will always remember "Our Brucester" which is what some of our former employees would call her. She's resting in Heaven now, with her FATHER. Family, be encouraged.
Brenda Jackson
My sincere condolences to the family. Elaine was a true friend to me when I lived in Montgomery. I am very sorry and sad to hear of her passing. I will cherish the memories of our fun times together. May God bring peace to all that loved her. Terrelle L Lewis
Cousin Cathy Remembering your love for knowledge Listening to new found knowledge about unsung civil rights leaders Sharing knowledge with youth Cousin Florence, your mother Called my father, Uncle Buddy Your grandmother & my father were siblings This is for the living. RIH dear cousin
Dear Charity and Tracy I am heartbroken as I just heard from someone of Cathy's transition. I am weeping with you I will certainly miss my "partner in crime." We worked as the dynamic duo when we were called to crime scenes and she would more often than not wrangle me as a speaker for one of youth events. She truly did have servants' heart. As I just heard the news, I will not have opportunity to attend the memorial service today. But please know I will be thinking of you with love and prayers. Take care.
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family of Rev. Dr. Cathey E. Bruce. Her oldest brother was one of my classmates at St. Jude and I got to know of her at the school. My prayers are with each of you. May God strengthen and console you in your time loss.
My deepest condolences to the Bruce family. Rest well Pastor Bruce 🕊️💔
It is our prayer that our God of all comfort strengthen your hearts at this time. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. . . ." Psalm 34:18 NIV Love, Family of Mamie Goldsmith-Jackson
. . . praying & trusting the good Lord to grace your family with His comfort, His peace, & His healing during this season of bereavement in Christ's name. Amen. Much Love & Prayers, Family of Ruby Jean Goldsmith-Lewis & Annette G. Hassell-Wynn
Heartfelt condolences to the Bruce family. Sorry for your loss. Cathy will be truly missed by everyone who knew her. Keep looking to the hills from whence cometh your help.
Sending love, hugs and prayers of comfort to the Bruce family on behalf of one of my favorite students (A Pirate Child.)
Praying for God's comfort and understanding for the Bruce family. I'm so sorry for your loss.🕊️
Anita Ballard-Murrell St. Jude High School Class of '80
The St. Jude High School Class of 1974 expresses its condolences to the Bruce Family. May she rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences to the Bruce Family. Parker's Family
A GREAT PASTOR RIP
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
