Catherine Toney Self, a beloved figure in her community, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at Shelby Manor in Shelby, North Carolina. Born on July 24, 1930, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, Catherine lived a life filled with love, service, and dedication to her family and church.
Catherine's career as a Winder Tender in the textile industry and was marked by her unwavering work ethic and commitment to excellence. She later worked at the Cleveland County Schools as a cafeteria worker. After a fulfilling career, she enjoyed her retirement, which allowed her to devote more time to her passions and loved ones.
An active member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Catherine found great joy in singing in the choir, sharing her voice and spirit with her fellow worshippers. Her deep faith and compassion for others were evident in everything she did, and she will be remembered as a steadfast beacon of hope and kindness in her community.
Catherine had a wealth of interests that brought her joy and fulfillment. She loved gardening, canning, and picking blueberries, which reflected her appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. In quieter moments, she enjoyed reading her bible and working on puzzles, often sharing these moments with family and friends.
She leaves behind a rich legacy, cherished in the hearts of her family. Catherine is survived by her devoted daughter, Joyce Hasker and husband Gene of Shelby, NC; her loving sons, Ron Self and wife Joy of Shelby, NC, Roger Self and wife Sandra of Plant City, FL, Keith Self of Mt. Holly, NC, and Brian Self and wife Audra of Boiling Springs, NC. Her grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and happiness, include Patrick Morton and wife Shannon of Salem, VA, Bethany Waters and husband Josh of Columbia, SC, Chad Self and wife Alexis of Charlotte, NC, Zachary Self and wife Kayla of Plant City, FL, Logan Self of Charlotte, NC, Marisa Self of Dallas, NC, Lydia Hauser and husband Jamison of Durham, NC, Alex Dellinger and husband Cody of Shelby, NC, and Connor Self of Shelby, NC. Additionally, Catherine was blessed with nine great-grandchildren who were a source of joy and laughter in her life. Catherine is also survived by her siblings, Floyd Toney and wife Juanita of Shelby, NC, Irene Murray of Boiling Springs, NC, Doris Cash of Shelby, NC, and Cora Crisp of Beaufort, SC.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William Alfred Self, and her parents, Miles Smith Toney and Ollie Wright Toney. Catherine also mourns the loss of her siblings: her brothers Ralph, Horace, Joel, JC, and Lawrence Toney, along with her sister Lois Toney.
Catherine's Celebration of Life will take place at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Shelby, NC, on January 30, 2026. The visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by the celebration at 3:00pm. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a woman whose life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience.
Though she has departed from this world, Catherine Toney Self's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love and her unwavering spirit will continue to inspire and foster connections for generations to come.
To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.
A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.