Catherine Stinson passed away on January 30, 2023, at her home, with her daughter and a niece by
her side.
Mrs. Stinson was born on February 22 in Jacksonville, Florida to Vance and Theodore Oree. She and
her family were known across the Eastside of Jacksonville because her family owned The Midget, a
store popular for the extra –large hotdogs and tasty lunches. At the age of five, she dedicated her life to
the Lord in Central Baptist Institutional Church. Stinson attended Boylan Haven School, an all-girls

grades 6-12 Christian boarding school. Stinson was a day student at the school, where she played bas-
ketball and participated in many activities. After graduating from Boylan Haven, she attended Florida

Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Following her graduation
from FAMU, she began her career in Education and attended Howard University. She began teaching
on the Eastside at Oakland Elementary and East Jacksonville Elementary Schools. Known for her
classy style, gentleness, and an her overall sophistication, Stinson was always a pleasure to be around
and a pleasure to see.
Her love for children was obvious. She went above and beyond to help her students in the classroom,
as well as outside of school. She was known to take students to get haircuts, provide needed personal

items, transportation and much more. After teaching in Duval County Schools for 39 years, she re-
tired in 1994.

Stinson was married and from that union was born a daughter, Katrina—the apple of her eye. She

spent the rest of her life instilling the importance of knowing God, praying and having faith in the Al-
mighty Heavenly Father to her daughter. She was the most caring, dedicated, and loving mother to her

only child. Their relationship was one of devotion and genuine fondness. Stinson was a life-long mem-
ber of Central Baptist Institutional Church. There, she formerly served in many other capacities in the

church, including Sunday School Teacher and Usher.
Stinson will be remembered for her beauty inside and outside.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vance and Theodore Oree, and her brother, Anthony Oree.
More than anyone in the world, she will be deeply missed by her daughter, Katrina. She also leaves to
mourn a sister, Ethel Gould, Queens, NY; nieces, nephews and other sorrowing relatives and friends.