Birmingham, AL, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Birmingham community is remembering Cathy Sellers, a beloved registered dietitian and dedicated volunteer who passed away after a courageous battle with kidney cancer. Known for her unwavering commitment to nutrition education and her extensive volunteer work, Cathy touched many lives throughout her 71 years. She played a vital role in various community organizations and was a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Services are set for visitation and a funeral mass this week, as family and friends honor her memory.
Birmingham, Alabama – The community is mourning the loss of Cathy Sellers, a dedicated volunteer and registered dietitian, who passed away peacefully at the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care surrounded by family following a courageous battle with kidney cancer. She was 71 years old.
Cathy was born on August 17, 1952, in Birmingham, Alabama, to parents Raymond Dunmyer, Sr. and Madge Tully Dunmyer. Growing up in the West End neighborhood, she was the second of five siblings and attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School before graduating from John Carroll High School in 1970.
After high school, Cathy enrolled at Auburn University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974. Following her graduation, she spent a year at Charity Hospital in New Orleans studying to earn her dietitian certification. Cathy began her professional career in Birmingham in 1975, working as a registered dietitian at Medical Center East, now known as UAB St. Vincent’s East, until the early 1990s.
In 1996, Cathy shifted her professional focus to education, teaching nutrition classes to culinary students at Jefferson State Community College, where she spent approximately 20 years. Throughout her career, she maintained her affiliation with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) for 50 years, showcasing her commitment to the nutrition profession.
A devout Catholic, Cathy was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She volunteered for various organizations, including Parish School of Religion, Vacation Bible School, and Meals on Wheels. Her commitment to the church was unwavering; she regularly served in multiple roles, including Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, and Rosary Leader. Additionally, she performed clerical tasks at the church office and devoted decades to distributing communion to housebound parishioners and patients at UAB Hospital.
Cathy met her husband, Brooks “Pete” Sellers, at the Auburn University Catholic student center in 1974 and married in June 1977. Their marriage lasted 48 years, built on love, trust, and humor. Together, they raised two grown children, Christopher and Elizabeth, whom Cathy actively supported in their endeavors.
Described as someone who brought joy to all, Cathy was known for her constant smile and her ability to befriend anyone she met. She was also an accomplished baker, sharing her holiday treats with friends and family. Unfortunately, Cathy’s health deteriorated after she was diagnosed with kidney cancer in June. She was unable to undergo surgery due to other health complications, and the cancer spread to her brain before her loved ones could assist her in regaining strength for the procedure.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. She is survived by her husband, her son Christopher of Birmingham, her daughter Elizabeth of Brooklyn, multiple siblings, and extended family, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Upcoming services for Cathy will include visitation and a rosary on Thursday, 9/18, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, 9/19, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at Elmwood Cemetery and a luncheon at the church. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral will be live-streamed.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Catholic Charities & Communities in Birmingham, the American Cancer Society, and UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care.
FAQs
What was Cathy Sellers’ profession?
Cathy Sellers was a registered dietitian.
When did Cathy Sellers pass away?
Cathy Sellers passed away peacefully at the UAB Center for Palliative and Supportive Care.
Where did Cathy Sellers grow up?
Cathy Sellers grew up in the West End neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama.
What were some of Cathy’s volunteer roles?
Cathy volunteered for Parish School of Religion, Vacation Bible School, Meals on Wheels, and many other community organizations.
When is the funeral service for Cathy Sellers?
The funeral mass will be held on Friday, 9/19, at 11:00 AM, followed by burial and a luncheon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
Key Features of Cathy Sellers’ Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Cathy Sellers |
| Birth Date | August 17, 1952 |
| Profession | Registered Dietitian |
| Education | Bachelor of Science from Auburn University (1974) |
| Marriage | Married Brooks “Pete” Sellers in June 1977 |
| Children | Two, Christopher and Elizabeth |
| Volunteering | Multiple community organizations |
| Date of Passing | September 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Cathy Sellers Obituary
- Wikipedia: Cancer
- Dignity Memorial: Services for Cathy Sellers
- Google Search: Kidney Cancer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nutrition
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
