Gloria Cato

Gloria Mae Cato, age 87, of Pensacola Florida, peacefully passed away on February 5, 2025. Born Dec. 8, 1937, in Marion, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Mabel Bloodworth.

Gloria married the love of her life, James Cato, on Dec.28, 1957. Her life as the wife of an Airforce Veteran took her to many places, but she would always call Southern Illinois home. Gloria’s love for God was evident to all who knew her. She spent many years loving and teaching children in church and was quick to love and support those God placed in her life. She leaves behind her daughters, Rebecca Cato and Teri Miller, who share a great peace in knowing that her absence from them is her presence with her heavenly Father and a reunion with her beloved husband. Gloria was an active influence in the lives of her grandchildren. They are blessed with memories of laughter, adventure, encouragement, life advice, and frequent reminders of how much she loved them. They knew with certainty she was praying for them every day. To them, and to her “perfect” great-grandchildren (as she referred to them), she was the best Maw Maw ever. 

Gloria is survived by her daughters Rebecca Cato and Teri(Scott)Miller; Grandchildren, Steven(Corinne) Miller, Katherine(Christopher) Raggard, Ashley(Carl Effenson) Miller, Sara(Kevin) Happeny, and Rachael(Daniel) Barbosa;10 great-grandchildren; Siblings, Lora Julen and Jack(Debbie) Bloodworth and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Feb. 15th at the Blue Funeral Home in Goreville, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, with funeral service at 12:00. Graveside service will directly follow at Cana Cemetery in Goreville, Illinois. The family will host a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall (1601 West White St. in Marion) beginning at 2:00.