In Loving Memory of Catherine Waller ✨

June 29, 1951 – March 24, 2026

Catherine Waller, 74, of Cherokee Ridge, Alabama—formerly of Florence—passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, just shy of her 75th birthday. She was the cherished, only child of the late Albert Sydney Waller and Alma Ruth Waller.

"To read is to voyage through time."

A Lifelong Pursuit of Knowledge

An extraordinarily brilliant mind, Catherine was known by all who loved her as a true intellectual. As a teenager, her insatiable curiosity led her to read the encyclopedia cover-to-cover purely for pleasure. She was proud to be part of Bradshaw High School's inaugural graduating class and later earned an English degree from Mississippi State University. However, her insatiable thirst for knowledge extended far beyond the classroom into a lifetime of self-guided study.

Catherine was a voracious reader whose interests knew no bounds. She possessed a deep, passionate knowledge of history—spanning military campaigns, classic architecture, and art. This love for heritage was beautifully expressed through her active membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Alongside her historical pursuits, she had a vibrant imagination, finding joy in fantasy literature, dragons, and gargoyles. An effortless trivia enthusiast, she could readily answer almost any question, routinely matching wits with the writers on *Jeopardy!*.

A Curator of Community and Antiques

Rather than pursuing a traditional path in English, Catherine channeled her creativity and sharp intellect into entrepreneurship. In the 1980s, she founded Calico’s, a beloved restaurant and Plain and Fancy Antiques, in downtown Sheffield that remains a fond memory for many. She also had several smaller local eateries over the years, but ultimately Catherine found her true vocational calling in the world of antiques. For decades, she owned and operated antique malls, turning her love of history into a tangible daily pursuit. For Catherine, these malls were more than businesses; they were communities. She deeply loved her dealers and customers, and retiring from the trade after so many years was one of the hardest transitions she faced.

Family and Legacy

Above all, Catherine’s greatest masterpiece was her family. She is survived by: Her daughter, Tara Catherine (Murphree) Coppock, and husband, Ian Patrick Coppock, Her son, Steven Christopher (Chris) Jones, Her adored grandchildren: Paisley Catherine, Elliott Finn, Maple Adeline, and Penelope Sterling

Celebration of Life Details 🕯️

Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate Catherine's incredible life. Event Information: Date & Time June 13, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Location: The Home of Jason and Elizabeth Graves Address 125 Ivy Lane, Florence, Alabama