Catherine Alexander

It is with heavy hearts that we celebrate the life of Catherine Alexander- a devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, and admired sister. Catherine passed away at the age of 78 on March 29, 2025, in Encinitas, California, surrounded by her family. Catherine was born on March 17, 1947, in Stuttgart, Arkansas. She was just a toddler when her parents Robert and Rubbie Jackson moved the family to Flint, Michigan. Little did she know that some years later, one of the neighbor boys (Malcolm) on Campeau St. would become the love of her life.

Catherine had many educational accomplishments during her lifetime. She graduated from Flint Central High School, followed by Flint (Mott) Community College. She then earned a BA degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan. She received several scholarships due to her excellent academic record throughout her entire school career. She was even elected honorary “Mayor for a Day” of Flint as part of a program for area high school students.

Catherine worked for over 33 years (starting at age 15) for the Flint Public Library system. She had a passion for reading from an early age and truly loved books and the library, both of which she said changed the trajectory of her life. She went on to become the first African American Head Branch Librarian in 1971 at the North Flint Branch Library. She initially retired from the Flint Public Library system in 1998, but after moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1999, returned to her passion and went to work for the Tucson Public Library system. She did not retire from the Tucson Public Library system until 2010.

Catherine passed her love of reading and learning on to her entire family, especially her daughter. This extended to a passion for travel, and she planned many road trips to famous places throughout the U.S., exposing her family to numerous new and cherished experiences. She also loved physical activities like exercising, walking, hiking, bike riding, and even yoga. She continued to enjoy exercising and stretching almost until the very end, when her body would no longer allow her to do so.

Catherine will also be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. She leaves to cherish her husband and love of her life Malcolm Alexander. Her beloved daughter, Kamilah Alexander, whom she was so proud of. Her special blessing came in 2013 with the birth of her granddaughter Juji Moose, whom she immensely adored and cherished. Siblings: Nevell (Clayton) Pirtle of Clarkston, MI; Sarnia (Harris) McNeal of Charleston, SC; and Stephanie Jackson of Flint, MI. Nephews: Jesse Jackson of San Diego, CA, Jeremy Jackson of Flint, MI. Niece: Wonetha Hall of Tampa, FL. Catherine also leaves many beloved extended family members, friends and wonderful neighbors.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents Robert Jackson Sr. and Rubbie Jackson, brother Robert Jackson Jr., nephew Anthony Cheathams, and niece Shaketha Cheathams.