Cathy Lorraine Shuemake, 62, of Mead, Oklahoma, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Cathy was a woman of unwavering faith, boundless love, and extraordinary compassion. She loved God with all her heart, found strength and comfort in reading her Bible, and devoted her life to loving and caring for others. Those who knew Cathy knew that she had one of the biggest hearts imaginable. Her kindness, generosity, and willingness to help anyone in need touched countless lives.
Cathy attended Calera High School and married the love of her life, Raymond Shuemake, on August 21, 1981, in Seagoville, Texas. Together, they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. In 1999, they moved from Lawton, Oklahoma, to Bryan County, where they continued raising their family and opening their home to children in need.
Perhaps one of Cathy’s greatest earthly accomplishments was her remarkable dedication to foster parenting. For more than 32 years, Cathy opened her heart and home to over 150 foster children. To Cathy, fostering was never simply a responsibility; it was a calling from God. She believed every child deserved to feel safe, wanted, and loved. Through her patience, compassion, and selfless devotion, she provided comfort, stability, and hope to children during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
The true measure of Cathy’s life cannot be counted simply in years, but in the lives she changed, the children she comforted, and the love she gave so freely. Her influence will continue through the generations of children and families whose lives were forever changed because she cared.
Above all else, Cathy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. Family was the center of her world. She shared an especially close relationship with her mother and father, lovingly caring for them and serving as their lifeline until they went home to be with Jesus. Her devotion to them reflected the same unconditional love she extended to everyone around her.
Cathy also worked as a receptionist, enjoyed gardening, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. She was affiliated with Victory Life Church, and her faith was not merely something she spoke about, but something she demonstrated daily through her actions.
Cathy is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Raymond Shuemake of Mead, Oklahoma; her five children, William Shuemake and wife Jennifer of Mead, Oklahoma; Anthony Shuemake and wife Tara of Durant, Oklahoma; Matthew Shuemake of Durant, Oklahoma; Marissa Smith and husband Bryan of McAlester, Oklahoma; and Tyler Shuemake of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by her two brothers, James Crawford Jr. and wife Kristen of Durant, Oklahoma, and Charles Crawford of Magazine, Arkansas.
Cathy leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Annalise, Allison, Hannah, Michael, and Lillyanna, along with numerous other family members, friends, and the many foster children whose lives were touched by her love.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Crawford, and her mother, Cheryl Darlene Crawford.
While Cathy’s passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of the Savior she faithfully served throughout her life.
Cathy’s legacy is one of faith, family, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She lived her life with open arms, an open home, and an open heart. She never needed recognition for the good she did, because loving others was simply who she was.
Her greatest legacy will not be what she left behind, but what she gave away: a lifetime of love.
Though she will be deeply missed, the love she planted in so many hearts will continue to grow for generations to come.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Services to celebrate Cathy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Brown’s Funeral Home chapel in Durant with Pastor Lee Armstrong officiating.
Cathy’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Brown’s Funeral Home in Durant.
Arrangements under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service.