Catherine Alexander Erkins was born on November 24, 1941, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Anthony Jr. and Lois Wallace Alexander. She was the eldest of eight children.

Catherine was educated in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and was a 1960 graduate of West Charlotte Senior High School. She graduated from Hunter College in New York, NY with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She was employed for many years as an Administrative Director at the Leontine L. Pryor Day Care Center. In addition, she also took pleasure volunteering at Montifiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York.

Catherine loved shopping and was also an avid traveler, having traveled to Africa, Europe and many Caribbean destinations.

Later in life, after many years, Catherine relocated from New York to Charlotte to be closer to family.

Catherine was a member of New Hampton Presbyterian Church and attended until her health declined.

Left to cherish her memory are devoted daughter Carmen Benson Hare (Graylen), cherished grandsons Justin R. and Jason A. Hare; sisters Patricia A. Barnette, Barbara D. Alexander, Thelma A. Walton and Cheryl A. Parks (Kenneth); brothers Anthony S. Alexander (Gwenda), Larry P. Alexander (Sandra) and Stanley W. Alexander; a loving uncle, Isaac G. Alexander and aunts Lorine W. Haynes, Rose A. Gillespie and Geneva Alexander; Godchildren Karen N. Walton and Anthony S. Alexander; special cousin Linda R. Foard and a host of family and friends.