Jennifer Cathey

Jennifer Sue Cathey (formerly Stroer), 56, of Soudertown, PA, passed away on early Sunday morning, November 23, 2025, in Edwardsville, IL, at a family home, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born October 4, 1969, in St. Louis, MO, to Carl Edward and Linda Sue (Moore) Clayton. On April 29, 2017, she married Michael James Cathey at First Congregational Church, Highland, IL.

Jennifer was a member of First Congregational Church, Highland, IL. Associated Body Work & Massage Professionals (ABMP). Jennifer was an ordained minister, she evangelized anyone she could, belonged to Campus Crusade for Christ in high school and took mission trips to Japan and Mexico. After losing her parents at a young age, she and her twin brother went to live with her half sister and her husband, who raised her. She founded Harmony Body Work & Massage in downtown Edwardsville, IL. Jennifer most loved being a mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Linda Clayton; adoptive mother, Lynne Bowles; sister, Crescent “Chris” Clayton.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Michael Cathey; adopted dad, Brad Bowles a retired pastor; daughter, Emily (Bradley) Wilson; sons, Adam Stroer, Alexander “AJ” Stroer; step daughter, SSgt Courtney Cathey; step son, 2 d Lt Dexter Cathey; twin brother, Jeffrey (Susan) Clayton; siblings, Matthew Bowles, Andrew Bowles, Rachel Bowles, Dana (Charles) Wanner; grandchildren, Thomas Wilson, Rosielynn Wilson, Elspeth Wilson. many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to The Restore Network.

Visitation: Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL and Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, at First Congregational Church, Highland, IL.

Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at First Congregational Church, Highland, IL.

Clergy: Rev. Rich Cook and Rev. Greg Brady

Interment: Highland City Cemetery, Highland, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.