Catherine Vincent James

Catherine Vincent James (also known as Merle Vincent or Merle Soomer) passed away peacefully on July 19, 2022 at age 79. Born to Gwendolen Estwick Richards and Albert Vincent in Castries, St. Lucia, Catherine knew from her earliest years that she had a passion for teaching, finding willing students in her dolls. Catherine moved to the US with her husband and children in 1972, where she continued her education. A Dean’s list student, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. An active member of her community and church, Catherine was a guest lecturer at the University of South Carolina College of Education. She was also a past president of the Columbia Urban League Guild. She spent time helping others by volunteering in a nursing home and a homeless shelter. At church, she used her talents to start an after-school homework program and a bereavement Group. Over the course of a 54-year career in education, Catherine inspired a love of reading and learning in countless students, including the adults she taught as part of the Richland County District 2 Adult Education program. Her exceptional skill and talent as an educator garnered recognition as “Teacher of the Year” in 1988 and mentions in Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Her dedication to her students was only surpassed by her love for and devotion to her 3 children: Donna James, Gail James, and Tyrone James. Catherine was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church and enjoyed reading, dancing, writing poetry and spending time with her friends and family. Those closest to her were often witness to her witty humor and playful spirit. Forthright and caring, Catherine was a steadfast friend. As a mother, she was selfless. She is preceded in death by her mother (Gwendolen Estwick Richards), her father (Albert Vincent), her sisters (Sonia Estwick Thomas and Jean DeGazon Simmons), her brother (Selwyn Vincent), and many half-sisters and half-brothers. She is survived by her brother, Ronald Richards, half-sisters, half-brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A loyal friend, loving daughter and sister, adoring mother and grandmother, she will be dearly missed by her children, her grandchildren, Sumer James, Tyler Beth James, and Daniel DuCille, her daughter-in law, Pamela James, her future son-in-law, Keith Hoyte, Patrick Scott, her many beloved friends, family members, classmates, and former students. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 1:00 pm Eastern at the Cheatham Hill Memorial Park, Columbarium Building, located at 1861 Dallas Highway, Marietta, Georgia 30064.