Catherine Smalls

Catherine Smalls was born on May 8, 1920 in Andrews, South Carolina. She

was the youngest of six children born to the late James Darby and Corrine Lee.

Catherine entered everlasting rest on May 19, 2025 in Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania.

In 1940, Catherine married Clarence Small, in Andrews, South Carolina, in the

Georgetown community. She came to Philadelphia at the invite of her sister,

Rosa Williams, for a chance at a better life. Later her love was shared with

Robert Gass in 1948, and then Delmar Bingham 1958. She was blessed with six

children: Willie Smalls, Robert Gass, Roberta Gass, Steven Gass, Patricia

(Patsy) Gass, and Delmar Smalls.

Catherine was employed with the School District of Philadelphia working as a

Cafeteria Cook. She also served in Environmental Services in Office Buildings,

Hotels, and Hospitals, along with Private Housekeeping as well.

She was a member of Zion A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, and enjoyed serving

with the Friendly Widows Club and singing with the Chancel Choir.

Catherine has a very special laugh that everyone recognized and

appreciated. As long as her health enabled her, Catherine lived a very

active and involved life. She enjoyed watching baseball, westerns,

and soap operas. She was known for playing board games, cards, doing

puzzles, cooking, baking, listening to music, notably Gospel, Jazz, and

R & B, and she enjoyed riding motorcycles.

Catherine Smalls was preceded in death by her brothers: Willie, John, and

James; her sisters: Rosa and Offie; her sons: Willie, Robert, and Steven,

her daughter: Patricia; her late husband: Clarence Small, Common Law

Husband, Robert Gass, and Partner Delmar Bingham; one granddaughter,

Marcella and one Great-Great Grand Mahoghany Smalls Saunders.

She leaves behind family and friends to mourn her absence, yet cherish her

memories and honor her legacy. They include one daughter, Roberta Gass;

one son: Delmar Smalls; 15 grandchildren including ShiKèna, Marchelle,

Cilisha, Thelonious (Chubby), Billie Jo, Willie (Skip), Carl (Gunny), Rosalyn,

Mamie, Stephanie, Lamont, Keisha, Nadrea and Tiffany; 38 greatgrandchildren,

69 great-great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-greatgrandchildren.