Catherine Sterling

Catherine Camp Sterling was born April 12, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and peacefully fell asleep in death on December 14, 2025, in Fairfield, California. She was an only child born to Ira Camp of Cato, Arkansas and Alice Bunting Camp of Conway, Arkansas. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents and son, Samuel Todd Sterling. Catherine was baptized into the Catholic faith and started her formal education at St. Augustine Catholic School and concluded her education at St. Bartholomew Catholic School in North Little Rock. Friends said she was always meticulously dressed and the “Perfect Little Lady” from a young girl. Friends also called her Banny…she was small, attractive, very smart in school, and she stood her ground, defended her rights and the rights of others. Catherine continued sharing her heart with all, assisting those who came to her for advice, guidance, assistance, or just a listening ear. At a young age she loved people and knew how to reach and touch each person she met. This was her enjoyment and passion until her death. She was an Elevator Operator, Dental Assistant, an avid Foster Parent, and an LVN, serving for over fifteen years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Catherine met the love of her life, Samuel Sterling. They were married September 11, 1960, in Little Rock, Arkansas. They were truly a match made in heaven. This couple was inseparable; wherever you saw Catherine, you saw her soulmate and life partner Samuel Sterling. They were world travelers; their travels took them to Alaska, Germany, and Spain where she enjoyed the beauty and delicious Paella. They exemplified the Perfect Couple. A plaque in their home says “A great fisherman lives here… Catherine was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. She truly loved her family and friends with great intensity, commitment, and passion. She loved to cook, bake, and garden. Catherine and Samuel were blessed with two beautiful children, Samuel Todd Sterling and Jackie Sterling Miles. During their 65+ years of marriage they loved each other, they loved to dance, they loved to fish together. Catherine and Sammie would spend weeklong vacations fishing and enjoying each other. As Foster Parents, this endeavor was their heart and life’s passion with a special touch for this great work. Catherine and Samuel took care of over seventy children. They built a very special lifelong bond with Tamara Gosney whom they raised as their own child and loved very much. Catherine leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband/soulmate, Samuel Sterling; daughter, Jackie Sterling Miles (Willie); grandchildren, Pershia Miles, Monique Sterling, Veronica “Ronnie” Sterling, Jason Chick, and Tyrese Chick; foster daughter, Tamara Gosney; brother-in-law, Tyrone Sterling (Katrina) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; sisters-in-law, Emelda Sterling of Springdale, Maryland, Melvina Sterling of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Rita Cavalier Johnson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Debra Sterling Roy (Bennie) of San Diego, California; twenty-seven nieces and nephews as well as a host of other relatives, neighbors, and friends.

Tributes

Catherine Sterling

April 12, 1942 - December 14, 2025