ATLANTA — Jeannette McNeil Cathy, wife of Chick-fil-A founder and Chairman Emeritus S. Truett Cathy, has died.
An official with the company confirmed the news late Wednesday night.
Jeannette played a key role in her husband's business achievements, helping him launch the Chick-fil-A brand in 1967.
Born Jeannette McNeil in 1922, Cathy grew up in Atlanta, where she first met her "childhood sweetheart next door" when he was 8 years old.
Cathy attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and married Truett Cathy in 1948.
Truett Cathy long credited his wife with strengthening his own faith, which helped shape the way he conducted his life and business.
"Our mother has always been the spiritual nucleus and encourager of our family," said eldest son Dan T. Cathy, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc. "I can't remember a day when she was not in full support of Dad in his work and vision for the Chick-fil-A business."
Jeannette Cathy is credited with inspiring many of the philanthropic efforts that are today part of the Chick-fil-A legacy.
Cathy is survived by sons Dan T. and Don "Bubba" Cathy; daughter Trudy Cathy White; 12 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.
S. Truett Cathy died last September at the age of 93.
Jeannette McNeil Cathy was 92.
We'll have more on the passing of Jeannette McNeil Cathy on Channel 2 Action News This Morning starting at 4:30 a.m.
WSBTV
