Catherine E Cummings

Catherine Epler Cummings, 92, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Bradley Medical Center, surrounded by family. She was born July 30, 1933, in Johnson City, New York, the daughter of Jay J. and Catherine C. (Griffin) Epler.

She had a varied career through her lifetime, starting as a medical laboratory technician at the local hospital, then with the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) project at Strong Memorial Hospital based in Rochester, NY. Later she returned to Johnson City. There she was a chemical laboratory technician at the Ansco/Ozalid Division of GAF Corporation where she met her husband to be, David L. Cummings. They were married on October 5, 1963, in Johnson City and moved to the Rochester area where she returned to the AEC. After the birth of her first child, she was dedicated totally to being a mother and homemaker, a dedicated wife and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Carl N. Epler; sister-in-law, Rita (Parker) Epler; all her aunts and uncles of which there were many. She is survived by her children, Patrick L. Cummings of Nashville, Catherine Anne Cummings of Atlanta, Susan M (Cummings) Woodall of Alabaster, AL; son-in-law, William B. Woodall; son, Michael D Cummings of Cleveland; as well as four grandchildren, William B. “Trey” Woodall, III, Maxwell D. “Max” Woodall, Samuel A “Sam” Woodall, Zachary L. ”Zach” Woodall; several nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was an avid quilter and was a member of the Cherokee Blossom Quilters for many years. She enjoyed traveling with visits to Rome, Vienna, Prague, Paris, Ireland, Anchorage, AK to Key West, FL, and Arcadia, ME to Maui, HI, as well as all over the Southwest.

She still found time to serve on the first Bradley County Health Council, the Life Bridges Human Rights Committee at Life Bridges, a board member of the JOY School, and served many years as a charter member of the TN DIDD Family Support Council. Her quilting skills were utilized to create banners for Life Bridges Special Olympics teams. She was everyone’s friend and helper and had a special place in her heart for children, especially children with special needs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church with Father Mike Nolan officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11:00 am in the church vestibule. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7180 N Lee Hwy. Poole Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials to be made to Life Bridges, 764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN. 37311.