Obituary of Cornell Cleveland Catley, Sr.
Our beloved father, brother, husband and provider Cornell Cleveland Catley, Sr. has gone home to be with the Lord on March 29, 2020. Cornell was born November 19, 1929 in Winchester, TX to the late Wright and Lucille Catley. He was the oldest of five children. Cornell was preceded in death by his two sisters Vernell Campbell and Delores Tate and his brother Vastean Catley.
Cornell graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School, San Antonio, Texas. He enlisted into the United States Army after graduating High School. Cornell met the love of his life, Maetro, in Newark, NJ where they married on November 1, 1953 and would spend close to 67 amazing years happily married to one another. Cornell was foremost a man of God and a man of principle and integrity, who valued hard work and honesty. He worked as a final line Inspector at General Motors where he was employed for 34 years until his retirement. He was never hesitant about taking a part time job to ensure his family wanted for nothing.
He enjoyed the simple things in life, never asked for much but the four C's; Coffee, Cigarettes, Cake and occasionally the Casino. He enjoyed watching TV, his favorite baseball team the Mets and football team the Cowboys, loved Wrestling and playing Solitaire. Cornell especially enjoyed spending time with his family giving everyone a loving nickname and reading and listening to his bible. Our father had a kind loving soul that will live among us forever.
Cornell leaves behind, to celebrate his life, his amazing faithful wife, Maetro Joanna Catley of Freehold, NJ; eight children, Viola (Cliff) Jackson, of Fairton, NJ, Beverly Catley, of Tinton Falls, NJ, Tina Boyd of Neptune, NJ, Cornell C. Catley Jr. of Philadelphia, PA, Yvonne Catley of Freehold, NJ, Gail Catley of New Castle, DE, Michael Catley of Philadelphia, PA, Paul Catley of Freehold, NJ; his sister Lillie Mae Carrroll of San Antonio, TX; twelve grandchildren, Tiffany Catley, Veronica Jackson, Khadijah Catley, Alyssa Catley, Elizabeth Galloway, Barry Hatcher (BK), Paul Catley (PJ), Shaun Crank, Darnell Johnson, Maurice Catley, Brandon Catley, and Clifford Jackson III; fifteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A note from Cornell to his family.
No need to worry I lived a full life, my soul has ascended into God’s Light. That isn’t me in that casket it’s just an empty shell, know that above all I am well, well in my soul and in heaven above looking down on you with God’s Love.
I love you all and will see you in the promise land.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private services will be held with the immediate family. Please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com to leave condolence messages to the family. For those who desire, donations may be made in Cornell’s memory to the American Foundation for the Blind 1401 S. Clark St., Ste. 730 Arlington, VA 22202 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. All arrangements are being handled by the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township.