December 12, 2025, 94, Goldsboro — Catherine Stanley Turnage, 94, peacefully went home on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Goldsboro Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Born on August 17, 1931 in Wayne County, she was daughter to the late Henry Stanley and Frankie Tripp Stanley.
Catherine took great pleasure in preparing meals for her family and spending time in her kitchen, where many of their most cherished memories were made. She held her family at the center of her life, offering them unwavering love, guidance, and support. Catherine also possessed a profound love for animals; she cared for them with exceptional gentleness and compassion, and they brought her great comfort and joy throughout her life.
Exceptionally gifted, Catherine had a natural artistic flair that was evident in everything she created. She found great fulfillment in sketching, capturing detail with both sensitivity and skill. Her creativity extended beyond paper, influencing the way she viewed the world—always noticing beauty, color, and form in places others might overlook. Her art reflected not only her talent but also the kindness and depth of her spirit.
She will be remembered always for her kind and gentle soul, which touched the lives of all who knew her.
Catherine is survived by her children, Mary Shafer and husband, James, and her son, Clark Parsons; her grandchildren, Michelle Merritt and husband, Daryl, and Melinda Reeves and husband, Kenny; great-grandchildren, Lexi Reeves, Laney Reeves, Damon Merritt and Katelyn Merritt; her sister, Shirley Belica; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her brother, Henry Stanley, Jr. and her brother-in-law, Robert Belica.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A graveside service to honor Catherine will be held at Fairview Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Danny Rollins officiating the service.
The family is in the care of Rouse Funeral Home.
