Catherine Carson Stratford died peacefully in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on August 21, 2026. Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1941, she was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Alfred Louis Stratford.

She is survived by her son, Alfred Lafayette Stratford III and his wife, Karin; her daughter, Carson Valentine Stratford Lankau and her husband, Paul; and four fabulous grandchildren: Kelsey Lillian Stratford, Ellen Grace Stratford, Lindsay Catherine Lankau, and Alfred Lafayette Stratford IV. She is also survived by her siblings, Rebecca Carson Coleman of Gate City, Virginia; Ellen Carson Roberts of Mebane, North Carolina; and Theodore Montague Carson Jr. of Dunkirk, Maryland; as well as many nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Catherine grew up in Richmond's Fan District in the 1950s with her two sisters and younger brother. She went on to enjoy a challenging and exciting career at Wheat First Securities, where she became a Managing Director and thrived on the fast pace of the financial world and the many friendships she made there.

She retired in 2000, allowing Catherine and Al to divide their time between Richmond, where their son and his family lived, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where their daughter and her family lived. Catherine and Al considered themselves extraordinarily fortunate to be such an active part of the lives of their children and grandchildren. They could frequently be found cheering from the stands at volleyball, lacrosse and basketball games and at many - sometimes very lengthy - swim meets.

Their years in Richmond and Mount Pleasant brought treasured friendships in both places while allowing them to remain close to the family that meant so much to them. Catherine also cherished the close relationships she shared with her sisters and brother, particularly their famous "sibling getaways," filled with laughter, games, cocktails, and good food.

When one of her grandchildren asked Catherine to describe her life, her answer captured both her gratitude and her sense of humor:

"I have enjoyed a full life, with many experiences and many blessings." She counted among her greatest blessings her childhood with her sisters and brother, her marriage to Al, their children and grandchildren, lifelong friendships, and a career she loved. Above all, she considered watching her children grow into successful people with much-loved spouses and families of their own an extraordinary gift.

Looking back, Catherine said she had "few, or really no regrets, except for games not seen, cocktails not consumed, and maybe even a cigarette or two not smoked."

Services will be private.

For those wishing to honor Catherine's memory, donations may be made to the SPCA or another animal shelter or rescue organization of their choice, reflecting her lifelong love and concern for animals.

In keeping with Catherine's wish to celebrate a good life rather than mourn it, two celebrations of life will be held for family and friends. The Mount Pleasant celebration of life will take place at South Bay on Saturday, September 19, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. The Richmond celebration of life will take place at the Country Club of Virginia on Thursday, October 29, at 4:00 PM.

And perhaps Catherine gave the best instructions for how she wanted to be remembered.

In her words - "Celebrate with a great bar and great food."

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.