May 27, 1955 — Sep 8, 202
Raeford, NC
Lorretta Catherine “Cathy” Wilson, of North Carolina, after a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved on September 8, 2026, at the age of 71. She was born on May 27, 1955, in Lumberton, North Carolina.
Cathy devoted her life to education and to the care of her family. She earned her Associate of Arts in Elementary Education from Wingate College in 1975 and went on to receive her
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from UNC Wilmington in 1977. She served as an
educator with Cumberland County Schools for 31 years before retiring and then continued her work in remediation for the Hoke and Cumberland County School System for another 13 years. Teaching was a calling she embraced with dedication and heart. She especially enjoyed teaching fourth and fifth grade math, and her students consistently excelled in their test scores under her guidance.
Her life was also richly centered on home, faith, and the people she loved most. Loretta was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Rockfish, North Carolina. She cherished family time with her husband and children, including memorable trips. She especially enjoyed trips to Europe and the coastal scenes of South Carolina. She found joy at the beach, on the water boating, listening to beach music, eating seafood, and shopping. Even everyday outings brought her happiness or coming home to watch movies together. She cherished the simple things which brought her joy. She especially loved helping her father on the farm, where she learned the value of hard work, dedication, and family. Throughout her life, dogs were a constant source of companionship and love. They were always close by her side—faithful, loyal companions who brought her comfort and happiness.
She also had an incredible eye for beauty. She always had an exquisite taste in the way she
dressed, the way she carried herself and took great pride in her home. She noticed the little
details and had a way of making everything around her feel beautiful and put together.
Cathy had a way of showing her love through the everyday things she did for the people around her. She made sure her family was cared for, and there was always a good meal prepared at home. She wanted her children to grow up knowing how to work hard, take care of themselves, and make good choices. She instilled solid moral values and the importance of thinking about the future. Her steady example, warmth, and devotion shaped the lives of those closest to her in lasting ways.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Lee Wilson, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage, and by their children, daughter Brittany Leigh Wilson and son Gary Austin Wilson. She will be deeply missed by her family, who knew her as a loving wife, devoted mother, and constant source of care and encouragement.
Cathy was preceded in death by her mother, Christine Stone Britt, and her father, Albert Forest Britt, Sr.
The family will welcome friends from 6 to 8pm at Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service on
Friday, September 18, 2026. Her funeral is planned for 11am on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Lorretta Catherine “Cathy” Wilson will be remembered for her faithful service as an educator, her love for her family as a devoted wife and mother, her commitment to the Christian faith, her kindness to animals, and the welcoming home she created. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.