Obituaries

Catie Anne Critz Durham

Photo of Catie Anne Critz Durham
Catie Anne Critz Durham of Bryant, Arkansas, stepped into the presence of her Savior, Jesus, on June 2, 2017. She is preceded in death by her brother, John Joseph Critz. She is survived by her husband, Cody Durham and their three sons, Carson, Noah, and Hudson of Bryant; her parents, Rodgers and Debbie Critz, of Little Rock; her brothers, Logan Critz (Amy) of Abilene, Texas, Caleb Critz (Lynlee) of Fayetteville, and Jacob Critz of Austin, Texas; her sister, Emily Ramey (Taylor) of Little Rock; and three nieces and two nephews. When God created Catie, he gave her extra dose of joy. She illumined the world around her and those that know her reflect on her compassion, acceptance of everyone, and willingness to take risks in life, especially when it came to loving others. Even as a toddler, she exuded a delight of life and was a loyal friend, sister and daughter. As the youngest of five siblings, her brothers and sister couldn't get enough of her laughter and kindness that grew even bigger as she got older. She was a caregiver at heart, with an ability to love every creature with which she came into contact. Whether it was keeping food sacks in her car to give to homeless people on the street corner, or nursing disabled chickens back to health in her backyard, Catie was a gift to this world and her family. Catie loved those in the margins, she loved her children and family more than life itself, and she loved her savior, Jesus Christ. Catie was born in Little Rock on November 8, 1990. She grew up in Little Rock, graduated from Little Rock Christian Academy and then left Arkansas after high school to attend Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Austin, Texas. It was in Austin that she met her future husband, Cody Durham and they were married within a couple of years. After the birth of Noah, Catie and Cody moved back to Arkansas to be around family and raise their children in the land of her upbringing. Her husband Cody's life was changed and formed because of Catie's love and impact, and her dedication as a mother and wife. Cody credits Catie's deep-rooted faith as the catalyst to his renewed devotion to God and commitment to following Him. She was in the process of growing her business as a realtor in Little Rock, was a member of Bloom Bible Study at Fellowship Bible Church and any free time she had was spent with her three little boys. Catie's faith in Jesus Christ was her own. She never accepted platitudes or attempted to appear to be someone different than who she was. Her life was marked by authenticity and a genuine commitment to following Jesus in the unique path on which she was called. The love of God to this hurting world was evident in Catie's acceptance of those around her. Ultimately He is glorified by her life and she is now rejoicing with Him in eternity. The lives she met and loved on her path will never be the same and she will be missed more than words can describe, yet that sorrow will be turned to joy upon seeing her again one day. Visitation is Thursday, June 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, (501) 224-8300. The memorial service will be held on Friday, June 9 at 11 a.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an educational fund for the Durham children online at www.YouCaring.com/DurhamBoys or by mail at: Greenwood Gearhart, ATTN: Jett Moore, P.O. BOX 4278, Fayetteville, Ark. 72702. Please make checks payable to "Charles Schwab and in the memo line: "Durham Boys." Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com\chenal.

Published June 7, 2017

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