Faye Poole Cato

The Yates staff is sad to report that Faye Poole Cato passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, November 9. She was 87 years old. A celebration of her life will be held at Yates Baptist Church in Durham on January 4th at 11:00 AM, honoring a life of faith, family, and friendship. As we continue to bear one another's burdens toward that time, reflect on these words of tribute from a friend and fellow Yates member. Born on July 21, 1937, in Louisville, Georgia, to Otis and Pauline Poole, she grew up cherished by family and friends in her close-knit community. She attended Louisville Academy, where in eighth grade, she became friends with Charles Cato, the new boy who'd moved to town and who would become her lifelong love. They were high school sweethearts, marrying on October 4, 1959. They recently happily celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Faye was a graduate of Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia. Early in her marriage, she managed a medical practice in Ft. Valley, Georgia. She and Charlie moved to Durham in 1972, and she devoted herself to raising her children, Paula and Mike. Their basement became a welcoming haven for young people, who found not only food but also kindness, attention, and warmth. When the children were older, Faye began working full-time with the Duke Children's Classic, an annual celebrity golf tournament to benefit Duke Children's Hospital. She cherished the experience of working alongside notable figures like Perry Como. Music was central to Faye's life. In high school, she played the organ and piano for Sunday services for both the Baptist and Methodist churches in Louisville, playing at one service and then going to the next church to play. Her love for gospel music led her to accompany a local quartet. After moving to Durham, she shared her talents as organist at Yates Baptist Church. Even in her later years, she loved playing her organ at home. She particularly cherished playing the piano while she and Paula sang duets, especially their favorite hymn, "I'll Fly Away." Her dedication to Yates Baptist Church extended beyond music. She was involved in numerous church activities and cherished her many friends there. She created many beautiful cross-stitch Chrismon ornaments for the Chrismon tree, a testament to her artistry and devotion. Faye was a faithful member at Yates for fifty-two years, attending even when mobility was difficult. Faye filled her home with love, warmth, and good food. She enjoyed needlework, music, cooking, and puzzles and always enjoyed visitors. She enjoyed her neighborhood and celebrated Halloween with neighbors a few days ago. They all met together in the cul-de-sac, alongside Faye's father's 1955 Seasprite Green Ford pickup truck, and enjoyed visiting while distributing candy to trick-or-treaters. Faye is survived by her devoted husband Charlie; daughter Paula Cato Schenker (Ron); son Mike Cato (Samara); grandchildren Joshua Radford (Victoria), Amanda Radford McCulley (Bryce), Jacob Radford (Cali), Nick Cato, and Christopher Cato, Andrew Schenker (Dana), Bryan Schenker (Shanell), Tom Schenker (Ali); and a host of great-grandchildren; sister Margaret Beckum, and sisters-in-law Beverley Millians and Martha Cato. She is preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Pauline Poole.Faye led a rich, fulfilling life, with her beloved Charlie always at her side.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Faye's Honor to a charity of your choice or Yates Baptist Church, "Growing God's House"