Obituary

Catherine Ann Davis was born on May 6, 1935, in Springfield, Illinois, to Cora Davis, a homemaker, and Clarence Davis, an attorney. She was the youngest of two daughters and shared a special bond with her sister, Gwendolyn, who was eighteen years her senior.

Catherine attended the University of Illinois in Chicago, where she met her future husband, Buford Macklin of Tulsa, Oklahoma. They were married in 1956 and went on to raise three children: Terri Lorraine Macklin Hiett; Karl Macklin; and Michael Macklin.

A lifelong educator, Catherine’s career reflected her passion for learning and helping others grow. She began as a grade school teacher in the Washington, D.C. public school system and later served as a school administrator for both the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and American University in Washington, D.C. An entrepreneur at heart, she also ran her own marketing firm in New York City.

Catherine became a devoted and active member of the Unity Church in the 1990s, deeply influenced by Rev. Eric Butterworth and the teachings of Unity founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, whom she regarded as profound spiritual visionaries. After moving to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, she worked for several years in the Silent Unity prayer room, offering prayer and encouragement to others during their most difficult times.

She earned both her Master’s degree in Employee Relations from American University and her Master’s and PhD in Divinity from All Faiths Seminary in New York City. She later served as an adjunct professor at colleges Longview Community College and Webster University. She continued her ministry and educational work through the Unity Urban Ministerial School in Detroit, Michigan, alongside her respected colleague and mentor, Rev. Dr. Ruth Mosley. Later appointed as the Director of the Unity Urban Ministerial School, she helped usher in remote learning long before it became commonplace, expanding access to ministerial training worldwide.

As a published writer, Catherine authored The Third Generation: A Story of Regeneration which explores her own spiritual journey and humanity’s evolution in consciousness. A quote from her works reads:

“I was now pursuing my life’s purpose: to help the new beings arriving on Earth and those already here to evolve—to become new, the new beings we have been waiting for who are already creating this life. I am beholding the new planet [populated] with those whose lives are love-driven rather than material-driven.”

Catherine’s spiritual curiosity was boundless. She loved studying interfaith traditions and sacred texts, finding inspiration in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and more. She often recalled her early years attending the African Methodist Episcopal Church with her mother, where her love of faith and fellowship first took root.

After her first marriage, Catherine later married again with Leon Thomas, with whom she shared many years of mutual respect and partnership.

As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rev. Dr. Catherine Thomas was a advocate for women’s rights, equity, and education. As a wife, mother, and professional she witnessed and participated in profound social change. In her professional roles, she championed the advancement of people of color and women in leadership, often standing firm in spaces where her strength and conviction challenged the status quo. Though her bold spirit sometimes clashed with those in positions of power, she was deeply admired by friends, family, and colleagues for her courage, intellect, and integrity. She lived her values out loud, modeling both resilience and grace.

In her later years, she shared her daily life with her dear and devoted companion Rev. Dr. Julien Telesford, whose presence brought harmony and peace to her life. Together, they bonded over a shared love of spiritual exploration, interfaith study, and the pursuit of higher consciousness. Their conversations often wove together reflections on sacred texts, human potential, and the evolution of the Earth’s beings. Julien’s friendship, care, and unwavering support enriched Catherine’s golden years, surrounding her with laughter, warmth, and the kind of understanding that only grows between two friends walking a similar path of faith and discovery.

In recent years, Rev. Dr. Catherine Thomas enjoyed the teachings and sermons of Rev. Michael Beckwith of Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, California, Rev Shad Groverland of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and of her dear friend the Rev. Sandra Campbell of Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.

She was also an active and engaged member of her community—serving on several boards and attending conferences all over the world. Catherine proudly participated in the International Black Summit (IBS), an organization dedicated to the empowerment and spiritual awakening of people of African descent worldwide. The organization’s mission is to create spaces for healing, transformation, and the elevation of consciousness which reflects many of Catherine’s lifelong callings. Through this work, she supported others in reclaiming their inner power, rediscovering community, and living from a place of love and healing awareness.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and bringing friends and family together for special occasions, especially the holidays. She loved spending time in her beautiful garden, growing flowers, herbs and vegetables while soaking in the peace of nature. In her younger years as a wife and mother, she treasured raising her children and being a part of young urban family and professional circles, where she built lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

Rev. Dr. Catherine Thomas is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Cora, her sister Gwendolyn, her daughter Terri, and two husbands Buford and Leon. She is survived by her sons, Karl and Michael Macklin; daughter-in-law Nancy Macklin, her son-in-law Ivan Hiett, her cherished grandchildren Vanessa Hiett, Patrick Macklin, Joseph Macklin, and James Macklin; and her great-grandson Caleb, who all brought her life joy and endless memories.

Rev. Dr. Catherine Thomas was a Licensed Unity Teacher. She leaves behind a circle of cherished friends from the Unity and International Black Summit communities, whose companionship and shared vision enriched her life deeply.

To all who influenced her journey—thank you for walking beside her in light, positivity, and love!

Rev. Dr. Catherine Thomas will be remembered for her wisdom, unwavering faith, and deep commitment to honoring the Spirit within. May she be remembered in loving kindness.