Catherine Barrett

Catherine Barrett was born on June 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the union of the late Richard Sr. and Inez Lackey. She was the third eldest of nine children. Cathy accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Little Flower Catholic Church. On June 6, 2023, God’s heavenly angel was dispatched to bring his precious earthy angel home.

Cathy married the late Donald Meadows in 1959. From this union, three children, the loves of her life, were born: Donetta L. Meadows, Darryl S. Meadows and Cheryl L. Meadows. In 1980, she united in marriage with Simon Barrett for 41 Years and from this union, she loved and nurtured her bonus children: Roy Barrett, Lamont Holt and Barbara Barrett.

Catherine graduated from Central High School and received a B.A. in Business from The Union Institute in Cincinnati. She pursued her master curriculum at Antioch University with a focus on financial planning. She also graduated as a fellow from Harvard JFK Senior Executives in State and Local Government, Center for Policy Alternatives Flemming Fellows Institute and the Council of State Governments Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leader-ship Development. Cathy was also awarded a fellowship with the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute. She received the Cincinnati Herald’s 2004 Nefertiti Award and numerous other awards and honors.

Catherine started her financial career at the Internal Revenue Service and later became a financial analyst at General Electric in Evendale. Her love of accounting led her to start her own accounting business where she collaborated and worked with various companies such as Washington Limousine and White Construction.

Catherine was elected as the 13th Mayor of the City of Forest Park, Ohio in 1993 and held the office until 1995. She was also elected to the Ohio Statehouse as a State Representative for the 32nd District of Ohio and served from 1999-2006 (123rd-126th OGA). Catherine continued to push for bills to ensure the education and health of children, insurance for the under-privileged, access to affordable housing, and a quality of economic stability and other important matters for all Ohioans. After leaving public office, she worked for the Ohio Lottery Commission and retired in 2012.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Sr. and Inez Lackey; her daughter, Donetta Porter (Meadows); her husband, Simon Barrett; her brother, Richard Jr.; and her sisters, Ernestine Goo and Joyce Warren.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her child-ren, Cheryl L. Meadows, Darryl S. Meadows (Susan), Lamonte Holt (Nicole), Roy Barrett (Jacquelyn) and Barbara Barrett; her sisters, Gloria Garrett (Paul) and Delores Johnson; brothers, Eugene Lackey and Jerome Lackey (Carolyn); her grandchildren, Jamar Meadows (Laquore), Marques Harvey (Inell), Wayne Barron, Carmon Meadows, Mariah Barrett, Lowell Hiles, Morganne Holt, Madisyn Holt, Simon Holt and Darren Porter; 12 great-grand-children and two great-great-grandchildren; long time dear friends, Mary Patton, Loretta Walton and Rudena Williams; beloved sister-in-law, Alice Hawkins; niece and loving caregiver, Salena Lackey; and a host of nieces, nephews, beloved relatives and friends who will continue to cherish fond and beautiful memories.

Catherine loved life and loved her family. Her family was the most important part of her life. Thank you, Catherine for sharing your gifts, your love and your light with all of us!

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