Catherine Sedgwick

On Friday May 2, 2025, Catherine Sedgwick peacefully transitioned to eternal rest at home, after a brief illness to be with the Lord. Catherine was born on August 22, 1924, in Colesville, MD. She was the youngest of 6 children born to Andrew and Frances Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Robert, Beulah, Gertrude, Mildred, and Dorothy.

Catherine was raised in White Oak, MD. She attended Burnt Mills Elementary School and later graduated from M.M. Washington Vocational School.

On November 29, 1947, Catherine married John Sedgwick of Severna Park, MD. From this union, they had 4 sons: Gerald, Roy, Byron, and Bruce. Their marriage covered a span of 65+ years until John passed away in 2013.

Catherine grew up in a small church named Steward Chapel Methodist Church in White Oak, MD. The church was named in honor of Thomas A. Steward, Catherine’s great grandfather. In 1967, Steward Chapel Methodist Church merged with Good Hope Methodist Church. She was one of the original members from Steward Chapel to blend with Good Hope Methodist Church. The name was later changed to Good Hope Union United Methodist Church.

Catherine was a true soldier of the church. She served as a delegate to the annual conferences, Chairperson of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, member of the Board of Trustees, Nominations Committee, and a proud member of the United Methodist Women’s Ministry.

She also was an activist. Catherine was the driving force in getting a street in White Oak named after her great grandfather. The street is Stewart Lane. Despite her efforts, the county misspelled the name and ended it with a “t” instead of a “d.” During the early sixties, she used to drive people to the polls on election day. She was a strong advocate for using your right to vote.

Catherine was employed as a domestic for most of her working years. She also volunteered at Whittier Elementary School as a teacher’s aide and librarian assistant. In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling.

She was small in stature but carried a large presence among her family and peers. She possessed a keen sense for fashion and was known for her hats.

Catherine was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and always shared her wisdom.

Catherine leaves to cherish her memory: 4 sons, Gerald (Renata), Roy (Shela), Byron, and Bruce (Yvonne); 6 grandchildren: Tyra Venny (Keith), Takisha Hynson (Lateef), Brandi Scott, Gerald Sedgwick Jr., Justin Perry, and Brian Sedgwick; 5 great-grandchildren, a favorite niece Jean Morton, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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