Catherine M. Ivester

Catherine “Cathy” M. Ivester, 63, of Rock Hill, SC, passed away on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at her home.

The family will receive friends from 3 pm to 4pm on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at Bratton Funeral Home located at 1455 Filbert Hwy, York, SC 29745. A celebration of life service will be held immediately following the visitation in the funeral home chapel officiated by Rev. Nick Setzer.

Cathy was born on December 4, 1961, in Clinton, SC. She was the daughter of the late Vernon G. Ivester and survived by her mother Angela C. Ivester. In addition to her mother, Cathy is also survived by her siblings Cristi Seay and husband Mike, Constance McDerby and her husband Clifton, and Kim Bigach with husband Bruce.

In addition to her father, Cathy was also preceded in death by her Grandparents, Joe and Margaret Clements, and Arzo and Mattie Bell Ivester.

Cathy played softball for Boiling Springs First Baptist Church and was called “Pete” throughout her softball years. She graduated from Limestone College in 1984 and was elected as a member of the Hall of Fame in 1996. She was also the volleyball Coach of the Year at Winthrop University and worked both as a special needs teacher and in the volleyball program at Dutch Fork High School where she retired from the South Carolina Educational System as a longtime teacher.

Cathy was a giver, had a great heart, zest for life, loved all athletics, felt at home on or near the water. She was recharged by the sun, loved her constant companion pet “GiGi”.  She had an exuberance for travel, and she loved sharing memories of the past. Other hobbies were cooking, grilling, growing herbs and gardening.

Cathy was a devoted family member and embraced others like family. Cathy was quietly strong and cared deeply. She spent a lot of time with her mother, Angela, taking her places, shopping, mani/pedis and sharing meals together. Cathy would take her mother to church in Boiling Springs where the family home is located. She was baptized at Cudd Memorial Baptist church in Boiling Springs, enjoyed Christian activities and church camps, serving as a camp counselor throughout the years.  She established numerous volleyball camps and clubs teaching and leading many youth to develop into their best.

Cathy was sweet, warm and inspiring, a kind, passionate, thoughtful adventurous person that was a deep listener, loyal friend and never one to boast, even though she was a top achiever in so many ways.

Memorials may be made to volleyball scholarships at https://www.winthrop.edu/advancement/make-a-gift-volleyball.aspx

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com

Bratton Funeral Home of York SC is honored to serve the Ivester Family.

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