Jerome Calvin Cato

A celebration of life for Jerome Calvin Cato, 76, of Terrell, TX, is scheduled for 12:00 PM, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

Life and Family

Jerome Calvin Cato, 76, transitioned to glory on May 17, 2026.

He was born on October 24, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Alexander Cato and Marie (Sorden) Cato. Jerome was the last surviving son of Alexander and Marie Cato. His siblings were Joseph Cato, his twin; Oliver Cato; Carolyn Queen; Phyliss Battis; and Joyce Summers, the matriarch of the family.

Jerome married Portia (Crawford) Cato on July 18, 1971, at True Vine Baptist Church in Spencer, Oklahoma. Their ceremony was a double wedding shared with Dolores and Jerry Young, officiated by Rev. H.A. Walker. Jerome and Portia shared 54 years of marriage.

Military Service and Ministry

Jerome retired from the United States Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant after 26 years of service. As manager of Official Business, he and his wife traveled overseas, beginning with an assignment in Turkey. Their journey also took them to Germany and Spain, where they served faithfully in chapel ministry. Jerome served as a chaplain assistant, and Portia served in the music department. Along the way, they were blessed to meet many fellow Christians.

After living in Hawaii for five years, Jerome retired from the Air Force in 1995. He then moved with his family to San Antonio, Texas, where they lived for one year before settling in Elmo, Texas, in 1996. After the move, he became pastor of God’s Peaceful Vine Fellowship and continued to serve faithfully as God led him.

Family Left to Cherish His Memory

God blessed Jerome and Portia Cato with two sons, Joshua Cato and Jordan Cato.

He is survived by his wife, Portia Cato; his son, Jordan Cato; his daughter-in-law, Amanda Calder; and his grandchildren, Jordyn Cato, Jhene Cato, Kaden Calder, and Cheyenne Calder.

 A celebration of life for Jerome Calvin Cato, 76, of Terrell, TX, is scheduled for 12:00 PM, June 6, 2026, at Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

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