Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Demetrius Anthony Catus of Maricopa, AZ, formerly of Beckley, WV, entered eternal rest on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the age of 29.

Demetrius was born on February 6, 1994, to Stephanie Carson and William Catus.

Demetrius graduated from Gahanna-Lincoln High School in Gahanna, OH in 2012. After graduation, he attended Columbus State Community College to pursue a degree in Engineering. He was employed with Becton Dickenson (BD) as a R&D Graphics Coordinator in Tempe, AZ

Demetrius and his mother moved to Orlando, FL when he was 1 year old with his Aunt Nita and lived there until he was 9 years old. When he was 5, he met Sherman Hemsley at Burger King during a Pokemon event signing. He said, “George, where is Weezy?” Mr. Hemsley replied, “She’s back in California.” Demetrius became his best friend at the event and would cut the signing line to introduce his friends from daycare to Mr. Hemsley. At the age of 4, he was a stand in for the Disney Epcot 25th anniversary commercial, where he received his very own personal Mickey Mouse from the casting crew and his very first paycheck from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artist (SAG-AFTRA). He was affiliated with the Men of Tomorrow program under the wings of his cousin, Clyde Woodbury, to prepare young black men for the future.

Demetrius had a special bond with Chris Williams who treated him just like his own son. In that bond he gained a sister, a grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family would take their yearly vacation to different destinations out of the country. He loved traveling. He had purchased a ticket to Manila, Philippines for 5 days and was to fly out on February 25th.

Demetrius and his mother, in 2007, relocated to Carrollton, TX and he attended Newman Smith High School in the 9th grade. He was a member of the basketball team. Demetrius broke the school record being the first basketball player in the school’s history to make 30 points in a game, but the school was not able to put him in the history books due to him being a 9th grader. He had scouts coming to watch him play from Kansas and Texas while playing AAU. Due to his grandmother's illness, they moved back east to be close to home.

Demetrius and his mother Stephanie relocated to Gahanna, OH in the fall of 2009 with his Aunt Mary. He truly enjoyed his time at Lincoln High School. He made lifelong friendships with Justin, Austin, Dimonie, Spain, and Trey. His life during that time revolved around basketball. That was his passion. He played for his high school basketball team. If the doors of the gym were open, he was there. And he was good. He played with his heart and soul. Demetrius put his ALL in whatever he chose to do.

Demetrius loved his mother and brothers! They would have their mother and son brunch and dinner dates, go to concerts and shopping together, watched football and basketball. He loved cooking and grilling and preparing meals. He grew a passion from Sonte to learn how to play the guitar, write and make music.

Demetrius was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William “Billy” and Frances “O GE” Carson; paternal grandparents, Sidney Sr. and Rev. Marie Catus; uncles, William “Bro”, Randy, Phillip and Steve; cousins, Arthur Carson, Jr., Kenneth Allen Jr, Lynetta Carson-Owens, William P. Carson, and Javon Carson.

Demetrius leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Stephanie Carson (Sonte); father, William Catus (Denise); brothers, Derek Carson (Allie), Darelle Carson, Justin Henry, and Jeshua Robinson; sisters, Majesty Clayborn, Taylor Champer, Chris Williams, and Carolyn Williams “Ne Ma”; aunts, Anita Morton, Mary Hubert (Moses), Linda Robinson (Walter), Nancy Carson, Carla Carson, Darlene Carson, Billie Green (Ted), Victoria Howard (Tim), Sandra Sorrells, and April Williams; special aunt, Brenda Woodbury; uncles, Bruce Carson (Nina), Sidney Catus, Jr. (Ruth), and James Williams; special cousins, Frederic “JR”, Keith, Charles, Robbie, Ricky, Bruce Jr., Geoffrey, Clyde “C J”, Margaret, Marlene, Marvin, Marcus, Ricki, James Jr., Syreeta, Moriah, Mariette, Ben Jr., Andy, Ryan, Andrea, Tabitha, Isaiah, Mario, Brent, Breland, Brandon, Javon, Cameron, Crystal, Romira, Briana, Ebony, Alex, Amy, Aurelia, Kamilah, Synetha, Ted Jr, Fernander, Wendy, Kizzy, John, Antwaun, Brandon, and Dominic; special friends, Justin, Austin, Spain, Dimone, Trey, Zake, David, Josh, Smokey, Sonte, and Miguel; Godfather, Cary Sparrow; Godmother, Ernita Hall; nephew, Dreyton, nieces, Avaya and Milyn Carson and a host of cousins, family, and friends.

Funeral service will be 1:00PM Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.