Cathy Harness Beckett

Cathy Gene Beckett (neé Harness), a truly great lady of Troy, Alabama passed away on July 12, 2026 at the age of 79. Preceded in death by her parents, Troy Winfred Harness and Yetta Lillian Zamel Harness. She was born on April 14, 1947 in St. Louis, MO, raised in Louisiana, MO, and graduated from Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO in 1969 earning her B.A. Elementary Education.

Cathy is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jerry Beckett; her daughter, Erin Elizabeth Duce, (Darren Douglas Stephens), and her daughters Lily Grace Duce and Elizabeth Virginia Duce; her son, Troy “Lee” Beckett, daughter-in-law Rita K Akehurst Beckett, and their children Colton Graham Beckett and Genevive Reds Beckett; her sister, Mary Fagiolo and her husband Joe Fagiolo; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Darrell and Dana Beckett and Lonnie and Kitty Beckett.

Cathy was a beloved and active member of the Troy community. She was first an assistant at the Troy Chamber of Commerce, a Community Outreach Coordinator for the Troy Board of Education and then went on to teach Culinary Arts at Charles Henderson High School, retiring in 2007. She spent many years advising the Alpha Gamma Delta chapter at Troy University. Students and her Alpha Gam girls frequently sought Cathy’s guidance and thought of her as a wise and loving mother. Cathy was in touch with many of her students until the day she died.

Cathy loved art, traveling, watching Troy football and basketball games, spending time with the Lake Martin crew, visiting with her family in Missouri, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, traveling throughout Ireland, and gardening, but her greatest happiness came when she was surrounded by Jerry, her children, and grandchildren, especially during the holidays.

In her Bible, Cathy underlined Proverbs 3:18: "She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.” Cathy “held fast” to her tree of life-- her wisdom. She shared her love and wisdom with her students, friends, family, and community all of which are forever blessed and grateful. A true Lady of Troy.

Visitation services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Green Hills Funeral Home, 1621 US-29, Troy, AL 36079, with Memorial services held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:00 am at Green Hills Funeral Home and a graveside service immediately following the service at Green Hills Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, which are greatly appreciated, please consider donating to the children’s program at First Methodist Church of Troy, Alabama in honor of Cathy Beckett. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Beckett family.