Jennifer Cathey

Jennifer Cathey, 56, of Soudertown, PA, Aka: Jennifer Sue Clayton, Jenny Bowles, Jen Stroer, Jen Cathey, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Edwardsville, IL, at her son’s home, surrounded by her loved ones.

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

Jennifer was a member of First Congregational Church, Highland, IL, and 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 liver with her half sister and her husband, who effectively raised her. Jennifer loved being a mom most in the world. She founded Harmony Body Work & Massage in downtown Edwardsville, IL, before moving with her husband. Jennifer was a loving grandmother and mother.

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, 2nd Lt Dexter Cathey; twin brother, Jeffrey (Susan) Clayton; siblings, Matthew Bowles, Andrew Bowles, Rachel Bowles, Dana (Charles) Warner; grandchildren, Thomas Wilson, Rosielynn Wilson, Elspeth Wilson. many nieces and nephews Thomas Wilson, Rosielynn Wilson, Elspeth Wilson.

Memorial donations may be made to 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.

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

Clergy: Rev. Rich Cook

Interment: Highland City Cemetery, Highland, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.