Anna "Cathy" Catherine Canterbury

Anna Catherine “Cathy” Canterbury passed away on November 2, 2022 in Mexia, TX at the age of 75.  At the time of her passing, Cathy was surrounded by her family.

Cathy was the second daughter born to Robert Benire McMurray and Jane Francis Calhoun McMurray on March 24, 1947, in Urbana, Illinois.

Cathy was proceeded in death by her parents and her sister Cecelia McMurray.  She is survived by full family tree including, her sisters, Martha Reynolds and Patsy McMurray of Irving, TX, son Robert “Rob” Canterbury of Irving, TX, daughter, Catherine “Missy” Simmons and her husband Jerry of Oakwood, TX, son, Michael Canterbury of California, and daughter, Alexandra Ellis and her husband Eppie Ellis, Jr. of Waco, TX.  The family tree flourished with numerous grandchildren including Brandy Simmons and her spouses, Tiadra Simmons and Brandon Russell, of Oakwood, TX, Amanda Simmons of Oakwood, TX, Brittany Hill and her husband Ben of Wortham, TX, David Simmons and his wife Chantal of Alberta, Canada, Tyler Canterbury and his wife Jennifer of Sykesville, MD, Elijah Ellis of Waco, TX,  great-grandchildren, Makayla Simmons, Lance Defrance, Teegan Simmons, Gavin Hill, Asher Hill, James Hill, Marquez Murphy, Landyn Simmons, Tyson Simmons, Judah Canterbury, Jane Canterbury, and great-great grandson Dominic “Gus” Melton. Cathy will be dearly missed by her family and the many friends she’s made throughout the years.  Special thanks to Kathy Lloyd for helping the family look after Mom.

Cathy was firm in her faith and loved the Lord above all things. She was raised in the Catholic church and attended Catholic schools until high school. Cathy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia, TX for more than 50 years.  Daily prayer and bible study were important to her in her later years.  Cathy worked for Chevron Pipeline for more than 40 years as it changed hands from Gulf to Chevron to Oneoke before retiring to enjoy more time traveling and crafting.

Cathy was a jack of all trades. From rancher to seamstress, photographer to genealogist, scrapbooker to quilter, Cathy preferred to keep herself busy. She researched and compiled volumes of family history and traced the family’s lineage across the world.  She loved to document everything in pictures.  The family will have many treasured memories that will last a lifetime thanks to her pictures.  Cathy loved listening to Christmas music year-round. She was also an avid collector of all things Crayola Crayon.  Cathy enjoyed exploring historical places and those that might be haunted. She enjoyed spending time with the quilt club, creating award winning quilts, and knitting hats for newborns.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandkids.

Rite of Christian Burial is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mexia, TX.  Rosary will be prior to Mass.