Mrs. Catherine (Pearson) Allen, 77, of Spring Lake, North Carolina (formerly of Lee County, NC) entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 7, 2025, at FirstHealth Moore Regional in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Catherine Pearson Allen was born on September 9, 1947, in Harnett County, North  Carolina. She was the third of eleven beloved children born to the late Wilbert Sr. and  Mattie Hill Pearson.

Raised in the nurturing arms of family and faith, Catherine attended the school systems of  Harnett and Lee Counties, graduating with pride from the former W.B. Wicker High School, Class of 1966. Baptized at Cameron Grove AME Zion Church in Broadway, NC, Catherine  embraced her spiritual journey early, serving as a Church School teacher, a devoted  member of the Faithful Stars Choir, and a steadfast usher. Her quiet strength and gracious  spirit became the foundation of a life dedicated to service.

Later, she married MSgt. James A. Allen, Sr., and together they were blessed with a son, James A. Allen, Jr., whom she cherished as her pride and joy.

Catherine worked diligently at both the former Koury Factory and Saco-Lowell Factory before embracing a new calling, becoming a cherished community babysitter. In that role, she offered every child her nurturing heart, delicious home-cooked meals, and firm but loving guidance. Her care  extended far beyond duty; it was a gift.

Her faith journey continued at Anderson Creek Christian Center in Linden, NC, where  Catherine’s devotion only deepened. She sang with the Senior Choir, participated in  Sunday School, served as an usher, and spoke to her church family as the announcer. For  over three decades, she served faithfully as an Executive Assistant to Elder Purdie Elliott,  Sr., offering her talents with grace, precision, and unwavering dedication.

Known affectionately as “Cat” and “Kitty Kat,” Catherine was the soul of joy and  compassion. With her humorous spark, warm heart, and strong sense of commitment, she  touched every life she met. Even in her final days, she continued to share her love freely  and abundantly.

On the afternoon of Monday, July 7, 2025, our beloved “Cat” transitioned peacefully into  God’s eternal embrace at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital – Reid Heart Center in  Pinehurst, NC.

Catherine was preceded in passing by her parents, Wilbert and Mattie Pearson, her brother, Wilbert Pearson Jr., her sister, Cynthia Pearson Felder, her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Allen,  and her granddaughter, Jamaica Allen.

She leaves behind a tapestry of love and memories etched in the hearts of her son, James  “Jay Jay” Allen of Fayetteville, NC; her stepson, Jimmy Allen of Sanford, NC; her  grandchildren, Jamon Allen, JaQuay Allen, Jessica Allen, and Jlyn Lee; twelve great- grandchildren; her siblings, Shirley Pearson of Lillington, NC, Annie McNeill of Broadway,  NC, Naomi Douglas (Ray) of Broadway, Julie Pearson of Bennettsville, SC, James “Sonny” Pearson (Janet) of Broadway, Ona Marie Pearson of Broadway, Cassandra Pearson of  Broadway, and Frances Ross of Sanford; her aunts, Mary Hill of Sanford, Anna Hill of  Newark, NJ, and Nina Ringgold of Baltimore, MD; her brother-in-law, Charles Ross Sr. of  Broadway; generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins; godchildren, Michael and Tashika  Smith, and Alexis Mason; special friends, Evangelist Mable Gaston, Evangelist Rose  Ferguson, Brenda Cameron, Shaun Woods, and Pauline Page; and a host of others who  were blessed by her love.

Her legacy of faith, family, and fellowship will remain alive in all of us.

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Catherine (Pearson) Allen in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.