Cathy Lynn Herndon

Cathy Lynn Herndon, 66, of Odessa, TX passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, TX.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

 Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at St. Elizabeths Ann Seton Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. 

Cathy was born in Los Angeles, CA to Ray and Geraldine (Gerry) Crum on July 26, 1958. She graduated from East High School in Phoenix, AZ in 1976. Five years later, she met and wed her best friend and soulmate, Thomas (Tom) Herndon. In 1982, they welcomed their first daughter, Katrina (Katie), and their second, Michelle, in 1983. She began her career as a bookkeeper for her father’s metal detector business which ultimately led to a long career in accounting. She strove to be the best at what she did and despite being a mother, wife, and full-time employee, Cathy obtained an Associate’s Degree from NMSU and later a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Phoenix. In 1991, the family relocated from Phoenix to Carlsbad, NM where they remained for 33 years before moving to Odessa. Cathy was a dedicated and long-time member of San Jose Catholic Church of Carlsbad and recently began attending St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Cathy was a Girl Scout earning her First-Class pin, was a Lay Discalced Carmelite, Lector, and a member of the Right to Life Society of Carlsbad. She was an amateur genealogist, famous pumpkin pie maker, electronics aficionado, and the Captain of Herndon Family Outings. Cathy also loved music, whether finding the obscure Celtic tune or playing the guitar.

Cathy was a kind and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She was always willing to help and comfort those in need. She was lovingly determined and loved debating hot topics and positions. Cathy prided herself on learning and was constantly seeking and sharing new knowledge. She will be immensely missed by all those that loved her, but we know she is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Gerry Crum. She is survived by her spouse Thomas; children, Katie Martin and Michelle [Mark] Barrett; siblings, Debbie [Mike] Dille and James [Stacy] Crum; and grandchildren, Bailey, Mackenzie, Christian and Paxton; and a host of nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends.