Catherine Elizabeth Coulter

CATHERINE ELIZABETH COULTER, 74, loving wife and sister, and friend to all dogs, especially greyhounds, passed away on January 24, 2023. Catherine was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 18, 1948. She graduated from St. John's School and went on to study at the University of St. Thomas. After graduating from St. Thomas, Catherine took some time off before going to law school and took a job as a secretary on the City Desk of the Houston Post. There, she met a slender, dashing older reporter by the name Bill Coulter who swept her off her feet and they were soon married. After marrying, Catherine began law school at Bates School of Law (University of Houston), graduating in 1985. She hung out a shingle, primarily doing criminal court appointments, many given to her by Judge Myron Love who presided over the177th Criminal District Court. She worked at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse for the rest of her career until retiring in 2002. She was recognized as a fierce adversary, if only because she could badger her opponent or the Judge until she got the resolution she wanted. Catherine was never shy about voicing her opinion on any subject and, during court sessions, when not needed in the courtroom, she could frequently be found in the back offices where the court staff worked, chain-smoking, and educating anyone within earshot on any of a variety of subjects, be it the law, politics, or social etiquette. When you talked with Catherine, you had to start with the premise that her position was always right and if you tried to persuade her otherwise, before the discussion was over you were likely to be labeled as "pig ignorant." Catherine and Bill did not have children. As a result, the numerous dogs they had over the years became the focus of their attention and love. Rollie, Georgie, Henry, Emma, Oliver, and many others ruled the roost at their house on Heights Boulevard. When you went to visit, you would frequently find one or two new ones that Catherine had recently adopted or fostered, to go along with the pack already there. For many years, Catherine worked tireless hours as a volunteer for the Greyhound Pets of America, and her house was a revolving door of greyhounds she would foster. When she was not taking care of her "children," Catherine and Bill loved to travel, most frequently to France, and she embraced its culture and art. Bill was the love of her life and, when they were not traveling, they loved to entertain friends on the weekends. During the day, they would frequently host pool parties for the young children of their friends. At night, Catherine could be found in the kitchen, preparing a delicious dinner for the group. The announcement that "Dinner is served" was often delayed until late in the evening because Catherine, waving her cigarette and pontificating on some current topic, had gotten delayed with preparing the meal. Catherine was also extremely close to her older sister, Martha Mackenzie, who lived only a few blocks away. Despite their differences in age, they were inseparable and traveled together frequently. Catherine was also very active in her church, The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church. In recent years, Catherine volunteer taught at its school, Holy House Academy, educating young minds about Economics as well as current social topics she felt were important. Catherine is survived by her nephew, Donald Mackenzie, and his children, Connor Mackenzie, lain Mackenzie, William Mackenzie, and Sarah Mackenzie. Both her husband, William Kent Coulter, and her sister, Martha Ann Mackenzie, preceded her in death. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Church, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane at 10:00 a.m., followed by an interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street. A Celebration of Life (which everyone is invited to attend) will commence at 1:30 p.m. at The Parador, 2021 Binz Street. Catherine loved a good party and hopes all can come to toast “The Queen.”

Catherine Elizabeth Coulter

November 18, 1948 - January 24, 2023