Catherine Nabors

Cathy was born on May 29, 1941, in Seattle, Washington, to Dorothy Irene Murphy and Earl Raymond Ferdon, Jr. She grew up with her sister Donna J. Robinson in Sacramento, CA. It was at a USO dance at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA where she met her late husband, Charles Buck Nabors, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. They embarked on a journey across the world, stationed in Japan, Turkey, Philippines, Florida, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and two tours of duty at Charleston Air Force Base eventually settling and retiring in North Charleston, SC.

Her primary role as a devoted homemaker and caregiver to her five children defined Cathy's early years. Later, she served as the Director of Riverbend Baptist Church’s Daycare for several years, leaving an indelible mark of the love of Jesus on young minds. Cathy continued her service at Charleston Air Force Base, running the food truck for the flight line crews and later retiring from Star Lifter Lanes after 12 years of service. In her post-retirement years, Cathy continued her compassionate service by working with children at Septima P Clark Child Development Center in downtown Charleston and Loving and Learning Childcare Center in North Charleston. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need further exemplified her philanthropic spirit, leaving a legacy of kindness and generosity in the hearts of the children she served.

A beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was affectionately known as Great-Nana; she devoted a significant part of her life ministering to children. Her later commitments to the well-being of children extended to her role as Nursery Coordinator at Hillcrest Baptist Church in North Charleston, where she continued to exemplify her passion for teaching young children the love of Jesus. Her love for children also found expression through her involvement in both Sunday School and AWANA at North Trenholm Baptist Church in Columbia, SC for three years. During this time, she not only shared her time but also her boundless enthusiasm for guiding the younger generation toward a path of joy and kindness through Jesus.

Beyond her love for children, Cathy had a deep appreciation for music and singing. Her love for music reflected the joy she found in life's simple pleasures. As a testament to her giving spirit, during the Christmas season, Cathy meticulously crafted her annual Orange Slice Fruit Cake with love and care. These delicious creations became a heartfelt gesture, generously shared with others in the community. Cathy and Buck embodied philanthropic hearts, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and generosity to anyone who met them.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Buck” Nabors, her parents, and brother Ronald T. Peltola.

Cathy’s survived by her sisters, Donna J. (Ferdon) Robinson of Bryan, TX, Donna C. (Ferdon) Lohry of Oshkosh, WI; 5 children David (Audrey) Nabors of Greer, SC, Danny (Susan) Nabors of West Columbia, SC, Donna (Johnny) Barnes of College Station, TX, Dorothy “Midge” Nabors of Greer, SC, and Dwayne (Sarah) Nabors of Columbia, SC; 13 grandchildren David (Dan Carr) Nabors, Jr., Corie (Emery) Patton, Krystal (H.D. Smith) Nabors, Brandon (Beth) Nelson, Kelli (Matthew) Fritsch, Lee (Lauren) Nabors, Kelsey (Christopher) Johnston, Randi (Zachary) Dickson, Joseph (Maddie) Ravan, Brennan (Lauren) Ravan, Adrin Ravan, Wynn Ravan and Charlie Nabors; and 14 great-grandchildren Ryder, Hadley, Hudson, Harrison, Easton, Bo, Hazen, Railton, Matthew, Dartha, Baylor, Leighton, Charleston and Davis.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 4, 2023, at Mackey Funerals and Cremations, 311 Century Drive Greenville, SC 29607 with Pastor David Knapp and Pastor Jesse Gibbs presiding. Interment will follow at Wood Memorial Park, Greer, SC, 29651 at 12:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be David Nabors Jr., Lee Nabors, Emery Patton, Matthew Fritsch, Brandon Nelson, Christopher Johnston, Dan Carr, Trevor Mercer.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.