Catherine Hays Rowsey's Obituary
Catherine Hays Rowsey graced the arms of David and Jeanette Hays on January 1, 1967, and realized her ultimate peace as she entered into the outstretched arms of Jesus on June 2, 2026.
Catherine is survived by her husband, Perrin Rowsey of Bartlett; daughters: Emily Rowsey of Memphis, TN, Rebecca (Seth) Massey of Germantown, TN, and Mary Paige Rowsey of Los Angeles, CA; parents, David and Jeanette Hays of Sardis, MS; brothers: Greg Hays of Sardis, MS, and John Mark Hays of Memphis, TN; Sister-in-Law, Angelia Rowsey of Southaven, MS; and Brother-in-Law, Kent Rowsey (Allison) of Courtland, MS. She is also survived by her nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins.
High school sweethearts, Catherine and Perrin married on September 26, 1992, and enjoyed an abundant life of memory-making moments with Emily, Rebecca, and Mary Paige. Graduating from North Delta School in Pleasant Grove, Mississippi, in 1985, Catherine attended Harding University before transferring to Ole Miss, where she graduated from Pharmacy School in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. She was a highly respected pharmacist at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis for 36 years. Catherine was the quiet anchor of her home – an example of what unconditional love actually looks like in practice, which is the most powerful form of devotion. She taught us that vulnerability and strength can coexist in the same moment… that real strength isn’t loud; it’s steady, present, and faithful.
A true girl from the Mississippi Delta, Catherine appreciated the value of a well-picked watermelon by Perrin, fresh produce from the family farm on Ballentine Road, and a thoughtful, handwritten note. Her strong family ties gave her great joy when gathered around the dining table with her parents, siblings, cousins, children, and Perrin. Just as joyful to her were impromptu detours along the Pacific Coast Highway or a National Park trail during Pepperdine move-in weekends.
Her family’s hobbies were her hobbies. Always present at countless ballgames and witnessing PRs at marathons or IronMan events, Catherine was her family’s biggest cheerleader! And her Grizzlies fandom over the last few years became more sentimental than Perrin’s lucky hat! She loved being active outdoors, riding her bike, and gardening. She also valued the pureness of being still, whether working a puzzle, reading a good book, or spending time in The Word. Her minivan shuttled a legion of children, as well as decades of delicious meals prepared for HopeWorks.
And speaking of meals, Catherine was revered by her family and friends for her amazing meals and baked goods. A word of encouragement and a handmade scone, cake, or pie were her love language. Her humility, intentionality, selflessness, and trust in God’s faithfulness were her hallmarks, and we celebrate that she has received her great reward!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to:
Highland Church of Christ | 400 North Houston Levee Road, Cordova, TN 38018
HopeWorks | 3337 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN 38122
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