Cathy Jane (Howe) Gernt

Cathy Jane Howe Gernt, age 76, of Jamestown, Tennessee, passed away on December 11, 2025, at Cumberland Medical Center.

Cathy was born on January 29, 1949, in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was raised in Antigo, Wisconsin, and was a 1968 graduate of Antigo High School. While working as a waitress at the Dixie Lunch, she met her future husband, Art Gernt, Sr., who was stationed at the nearby Air Force base.

She was a devoted mother and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, where she taught children’s Sunday School classes for many years. Cathy later earned her degree from Tennessee Tech University and went on to teach at Scott County High School and York Institute. She was well known for her dedication to her students, her work on the high school yearbooks, her love for her family, her witty sense of humor, and her fondness for her dogs—who often rivaled her children for the title of “favorite.”

After retiring from York Institute, Cathy continued to make her home in Jamestown, where she enjoyed the companionship of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mercedes Marie Howe; her father, Shirley Scott Howe; and her brothers, Bob Howe and William Howe.

She is survived by her children, Art Gernt II (Karen), Wendy Gernt Bradfield (Steven), and Thomas Gernt (Patricia); her sister, Mary Scott Howe Herman; and her brothers, Rufus Howe (Ruth) and Thomas McCarthy-Howe (Melissa). As well as her grandchildren, Katy Bradfield Flowers (Tyler), Haley Bradfield Dye (Will), Ben Gernt, Nicholas Gernt (June), Abbye Gernt, Emilee Gernt, and Ryan Gernt; and six great-grandchildren, with a seventh expected soon: Lillian, Emmalynn, Wyatt, Esther, Montgomery, Louisa Jane, and Wesley.

She is also survived by her former husband, Art Gernt Sr. (Anna), with whom she shared the joys of the family they created.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16th, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Jamestown Methodist Church in Jamestown, Tennessee. A celebration of life will take place after visitation. Family, friends, and students are invited to share their favorite memories during the celebration. 

A private family burial will be held on Wednesday at Akins Cemetery in Winesap, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to a charity that Cathy also supported: 

Crossville Rotary Club 

Ronald McDonald House

Mundy Funeral Home in Jamestown is in charge of arrangements

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