Cathy Lorraine Tabor
Cathy Lorraine Tabor, 69, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House in Roanoke, Va., where she died peacefully in the presence of those that loved her, after a four-month battle with peritoneal carcinomatosis and pancreatic cancer.
Born Cathy Lorraine Owens on September 4, 1956, in Henderson, N.C., she was the daughter of Betty Jean Owens and the late Calvin Coolidge Coleman. Proud of her small southern town upbringing, Cathy never forgot the people or memories of the place she still referred to as home.
At the age of 13, she moved to Salem, Va., with her mother and her stepfather, Bennett (B.G.) Edwards Jr., and from then until marriage she was known as Cathy Lorraine Edwards.
A woman of extraordinary beauty, she ascended into adulthood early with marriage and children. She dedicated her life to her family, sacrificing her own needs and dreams in order to make sure her family always had what they needed. Her devoted children will always remember her as the greatest gift that God could have given them.
Cathy was an often misunderstood individual who missed a lot of opportunities in life due to her fragile health that had plagued her since birth. It's not that she didn't want to go places, attend events or gatherings; it's that her frail health wouldn't let her. Where physically she was weak, spiritually and mentally she was a warrior.
On point wit and blessed with wisdom, she was a true conversationalist and enjoyed a broad range of topics. She was always lending an ear and offering advice and help. She was an avid reader. Self-educated, she valued knowledge and never stopped learning or questioning. As a non-conformist, she was open-minded but stood by her convictions. Spiritually she was a lifelong Christian who stood by her faith in Jesus Christ and was a constant scholar in all things biblical.
A deeply compassionate human being, she loved animals and sympathized with those who struggled and were sick. She possessed a strong sense of honesty and justice, firmly instilling in her children what is right and what is wrong.
She found joy and solace in her best friend of 52 years, Cathy Rennison of Salem, Va. They were notoriously known for beginning a conversation at dusk and ending it at dawn. She also loved music, reminiscing, a good prime rib, and current affairs.
Cathy was preceded in death by her father, Calvin Coolidge Coleman; stepfather, Bennett Gill Edwards Jr.; grandfather, George Aster Owens; grandmother, Mildred Elizabeth Owens; brothers, Bennett "Gill"Edwards III and Larry Calvin Coleman; grandmother, Mildred Mitchell Owens; grandmother-in-law, Ocie Tabor Mahood; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russell "Pat" and Earline "Barbara" Tabor; her uncles, Bobby Ray Owens and James Wheeler Owens; her great aunt-in-law, Nancy McCoy; and cousin, Tony Wilson. Cathy's memory remains as that of an unbreakable spirit and will to live.
Cathy is survived by her mother, Betty O. Edwards, of Salem; her husband of 52 years, Patrick Allen Tabor, of Salem; her brother, Alan Keith Edwards, of Salem; her children, Angela Michelle Tabor, Jason Daniel Tabor and his fiancée, Heather Caldwell, and Joshua Ryan Tabor; brothers-in-law, Micheal (Rebecca) Tabor and David L. Tabor, of Roanoke; her nephews, Alan Brandon Edwards, of Roanoke, Drew Alexander Edwards, of Salem, Kevin Tabor, of Poquoson, Va., and Eli Easterling, of Sommerton, S.C.; niece, Victoria Danielle Francisco, of Salem; her granddaughter she loved to the moon and back, Madison Aleena Skye Tabor, of Clifton Forge, Va.; best friend and confidant, Cathy Rennison, of Salem; and her "adopted" son, Rev. Nathan Colwell and family.
In bidding farewell to Cathy, we celebrate a life lived with the utmost authenticity and search for truth. Her departure is not an end, but a continuation of the spirit that will forever pulse through the lives she touched.
Cathy our love, soar high sweet angel. Your children can't wait to see you again and your love and guidance will never be forgotten. You are the epitome of unconditional love.
The family gives a very special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice and employees Clara, Hope, Carol, Stephanie, Dakota, Lisa, Ginger, Tami and staff for their kindness and support. Also, a special thank you to Heather Caldwell, Cathy Rennison, Rev. Nathan Colwell, and Mike and Rebecca Tabor for their continuing support and generosity during this trying time.
The family has requested cremation and will do a family gathering in her memory at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
