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A Quiet Strength: The Life and Legacy of Jeannette M. Cathy
While S. Truett Cathy was building Chick-fil-A, Jeannette M. Cathy was nurturing a family and together with their faith, they built an empire based on biblical principles.
Chick-fil-A has become a national phenomenon over the past fifty years, forever changing the fast food industry in terms of food quality and customer service. Much has been written about Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy over the years, but the true, behind-the-scenes story of the Cathy family has never been told . . . until now.
In A Quiet Strength , Truett’s daughter, Trudy Cathy White, tells the story of the real heart and soul of the Cathy her mother, Jeannette M. Cathy.
This heartwarming memoir presents Trudy’s first-hand look at her mother’s amazing life, including growing up during the Great Depression with a struggling single mother, being crowned the best dancer in Atlanta at age six, singing in church revivals all across Georgia at age eight, breaking tradition by attending both college and seminary as a woman in the 1940s, and helping found the most influential and fastest-growing restaurant chain in the country. Trudy also shares Jeannette’s often-unbelievable misadventures raising three children on the Cathy farm—from beekeeping fiascos to regularly chasing a pony, a parrot, and a monkey around her living room!
Throughout her incredible ninety-two years, Jeannette M Cathy was an accomplished singer, dancer, musician, painter, theologian, farmhand, and self-taught repairman. Her most important roles, though, were the ones a precious few ever that of a wife, mother, and grandmother. As S. Truett Cathy often said, “Jeannette can do and has done anything and everything. All I ever did was put a piece of chicken between a buttered bun!”
Join Trudy Cathy White on a tour through the life of the surprising, enterprising, and downright hilarious grandmother you never knew you needed!
Chick-fil-A has become a national phenomenon over the past fifty years, forever changing the fast food industry in terms of food quality and customer service. Much has been written about Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy over the years, but the true, behind-the-scenes story of the Cathy family has never been told . . . until now.
In A Quiet Strength , Truett’s daughter, Trudy Cathy White, tells the story of the real heart and soul of the Cathy her mother, Jeannette M. Cathy.
This heartwarming memoir presents Trudy’s first-hand look at her mother’s amazing life, including growing up during the Great Depression with a struggling single mother, being crowned the best dancer in Atlanta at age six, singing in church revivals all across Georgia at age eight, breaking tradition by attending both college and seminary as a woman in the 1940s, and helping found the most influential and fastest-growing restaurant chain in the country. Trudy also shares Jeannette’s often-unbelievable misadventures raising three children on the Cathy farm—from beekeeping fiascos to regularly chasing a pony, a parrot, and a monkey around her living room!
Throughout her incredible ninety-two years, Jeannette M Cathy was an accomplished singer, dancer, musician, painter, theologian, farmhand, and self-taught repairman. Her most important roles, though, were the ones a precious few ever that of a wife, mother, and grandmother. As S. Truett Cathy often said, “Jeannette can do and has done anything and everything. All I ever did was put a piece of chicken between a buttered bun!”
Join Trudy Cathy White on a tour through the life of the surprising, enterprising, and downright hilarious grandmother you never knew you needed!
- GenresNonfiction
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 21, 2024
How I love reading peoples stories. I love Chic-fil-A and all it stands for, so when I saw there was a book about Jeannette—Truett Cathy the founder of Chic-Fil-A’s wife—I knew I had to read it. I’m fascinated by women “behind the scenes” and the strength they bring to their families. The story of Jeannette is both endearing and inspiring! This book was filled with funny stories that had me laughing but it also portrayed Jeanette’s strong faith and spiritual legacy. I loved how she had a personality that jumped in and did things, wasn’t afraid of failure, and stepped into the life that God called her to confidently and fully. A great read!
Some favorite quotes—
“Mom never stopped seeing herself as a child of the King. A child of the King. She knew that she’d never gain enough life experience or wisdom to make her anymore than a child before her Heavenly Father, and she was content with that.”
“She never let the little annoyances of married life distract her from the joy of living every day to the fullest with her true love… That’s the definition of a perfect marriage, when two imperfect people make a commitment to do whatever it takes to hang in there with each other.”
Some favorite quotes—
“Mom never stopped seeing herself as a child of the King. A child of the King. She knew that she’d never gain enough life experience or wisdom to make her anymore than a child before her Heavenly Father, and she was content with that.”
“She never let the little annoyances of married life distract her from the joy of living every day to the fullest with her true love… That’s the definition of a perfect marriage, when two imperfect people make a commitment to do whatever it takes to hang in there with each other.”
March 31, 2020
What an incredibly remarkable woman Jeanette Cathy was, and I had the pleasure of meeting on her on several occasions and was always inspired by her unwavering devotion to her Lord & Savior, her husband Truett, the business of Chick-fil-A, and to her family & loved ones. It was so very evident in each simple interaction. She was very special, and I loved hearing many first-hand accounts and delightful stories and anecdotes in Trudy's voice. This is a delightful book that will warm your heart and encourage you.
August 13, 2021
Fantastic book with a lot of stories about the woman behind the man. Jeannette Cathy, the wife of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, was the perfect partner for him. This book tells the story of her life, her faith, and fun little family stories.
May 27, 2024
Heard a lot about Truett Cathy, but not as much about Jeanette. What an encouragement to read about her legacy of faith, determination, and generosity. She loved the Lord and her story makes that very clear.
June 3, 2020
Eat now chiken!
This is a collection of stories about Jeanette Cathy, wife of Chik Fil A founder, Truett Cathy. It is the story of a talented woman who dedicated herself to her husband & her family. Her contribution to the success of Chik Fil A is not widely known outside of Chik Fil A, but is discussed in detail here. The book also described the ministry to youth that Truett & Jeanette dedicated themselves to. I recommend this book to all Chik Fil A fans & those who are CFA haters. Get to know the Cathy family before you pass judgement. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
This is a collection of stories about Jeanette Cathy, wife of Chik Fil A founder, Truett Cathy. It is the story of a talented woman who dedicated herself to her husband & her family. Her contribution to the success of Chik Fil A is not widely known outside of Chik Fil A, but is discussed in detail here. The book also described the ministry to youth that Truett & Jeanette dedicated themselves to. I recommend this book to all Chik Fil A fans & those who are CFA haters. Get to know the Cathy family before you pass judgement. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
October 5, 2021
Encouraging and uplifting
Great story of a woman most of us knew only through her husband and his famous chicken sandwiches. It is clear that Truett Cathy’s legacy would be greatly diminished if he hadn’t married Jeanette. Her unexpected rise from life with a single mother to attend college, seminary, help build a restaurant business, raise three children, excel in music and art, and lead her family to grow strong in their faith is amazing. And I’ve left out a lot. Definitely recommend, especially if you love Chick-fil-a and the values it was founded upon.
Great story of a woman most of us knew only through her husband and his famous chicken sandwiches. It is clear that Truett Cathy’s legacy would be greatly diminished if he hadn’t married Jeanette. Her unexpected rise from life with a single mother to attend college, seminary, help build a restaurant business, raise three children, excel in music and art, and lead her family to grow strong in their faith is amazing. And I’ve left out a lot. Definitely recommend, especially if you love Chick-fil-a and the values it was founded upon.
March 7, 2020
While Mr. Cathy was building Chick-fil-A, his wife was a major contributor to their success. Thank you, Trudy Cathy White for giving us a glimpse into the real world of the Cathy family. Hard work, genuine kindness and a love for others are evident in this family’s life. Jeanette’s love of the Lord and her character from a young lady was a major part of the foundation on which the company was built. This book gives hope that anything is possible.
March 6, 2020
This is a heart-warming book. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. Jeannette was such a strong woman and her roots firmly grounded in Christ. It's encouraging as a single mother to hear the stories of her mother. It's inspiring to see all the work God has done in her life and to know the love that Trudy and her boys have her. What a legacy...
March 9, 2020
I'm halfway through and hooked!
Jeannette Cathy is a true inspiration to anyone desiring to become a strong woman, supportive wife, and admired mother. She has left an amazing legacy behind her and there is so much to be gleaned from her life. This book would be a great gift for any woman you love and want to encourage. This is one I will keep on my bookshelf for years to come.
Jeannette Cathy is a true inspiration to anyone desiring to become a strong woman, supportive wife, and admired mother. She has left an amazing legacy behind her and there is so much to be gleaned from her life. This book would be a great gift for any woman you love and want to encourage. This is one I will keep on my bookshelf for years to come.
March 16, 2020
A delightful read
This book will have your smiling, crying, and laughing out loud with the Cathy family and Trudy’s wonderful stories about her mom. What a servant spirit Mrs. Jeannette M. Cathey had and the personal relationship she demonstrated in her daily walk with her Heavenly Father.
This book will have your smiling, crying, and laughing out loud with the Cathy family and Trudy’s wonderful stories about her mom. What a servant spirit Mrs. Jeannette M. Cathey had and the personal relationship she demonstrated in her daily walk with her Heavenly Father.
April 9, 2020
As a wife of a Chick-Fil-a Owner, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Cathy several times and this book does a beautiful job of describing all the sparkle and twinkle that was always in her eyes!!! Couldn’t put it down. Loved both Truett and Jeannette.
April 10, 2020
Beautiful story of a grace filled life, lived for the Lord! The wonderful legacy of a faith forward family warmed my heart (and also made me crave a Chic Fil A!) So enjoyed reading the origins, family tales and events that made this family famous!
March 22, 2020
Wow! What an inspiring book about a truly great woman!! I laughed, cried, and was utterly full when I turned the last page. These are the type of women I aspire to become!
April 11, 2020
AMAZING portrait of an amazing woman. Go GOD, Go Trudy, Go Jeannette! Feeling so inspired today by this incredible story and.....it's a true story....my favorite!!!!
December 18, 2022
So inspiring!!!
July 4, 2024
Well written - easy to read - so many fun family stories and events - get to know Jeanette
August 1, 2020
LOVE this book, and think it would make a great Mother’s Day present.
September 12, 2020
This book is a loving tribute from the author – the only daughter of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy and his wife Jeannette Cathy – to her mother. The book is filled with heart-warming stories about Jeannette, who was known as the “First Lady of Chick-fil-A.” The book will be a treasure for the members of the Cathy family for generations to come, but I also enjoyed finding out about the wonderful woman who was behind the founder of Chick-fil-A, having read much about Truett Cathy, but almost nothing about Jeannette.
Trudy tells us that her mother never knew her earthly father, as he left just three months after she was born. Her parents had only been married a year. Her father never came back, never called, never wrote. Jeannette was very talented, and would win local dance competitions as a child, even being named the best dancer in Atlanta at just six years old. By the time the Depression hit, Jeannette and her mother were living with Jeannette’s grandparents. Any money young Jeanette won from dancing competitions went straight to supporting the family.
The book is filled with wonderful stories, none more important than the amazing story of when five-year old Jeannette accepted Christ and then led her mother to the Lord. Years later they were baptized together.
Jeannette would attend seminary in New Orleans. She began her courtship with Truett when she returned home after completing her studies in 1947. Truett proposed on Georgia’s Lookout Mountain, and they would be married in 1948.
Trudy writes about the family moving from Atlanta to a 262-acre piece of property in the country in 1957. Music and animals were a big part of their lives. Both her mother and father taught eight grade Sunday School classes at their local church for many years. Her mother also played the music for the worship services.
One of my takeaways from the book was “The Three M’s” (Master, Mate, Mission):
• Who is going to be master of your life?
• Who will be your mate for life?
• What will be your mission in life?
The book is filled with stories that will bring a smile to your face. Here are a few of my favorites:
• The Great Bee Debacle of 1957
• A lesson about a penny
• The Great Motorcycle Incident of 1964
• Joy’s polka-dotted, chicken-pox birthday party
• The Chick-fil-A pin
• Her parents daily breakfast date
Trudy writes that her mother was in every way, a servant. While not diminishing her father’s faith, her brothers and her always saw their mother as the spiritual center of their family. She was committed to Bible study, Scripture memorization, prayer and openly talked to her heavenly Father each day.
For those who love Chick-fil-A, as I do, I think you’ll really enjoy reading about the “First Lady of Chick-fil-A”.
Trudy tells us that her mother never knew her earthly father, as he left just three months after she was born. Her parents had only been married a year. Her father never came back, never called, never wrote. Jeannette was very talented, and would win local dance competitions as a child, even being named the best dancer in Atlanta at just six years old. By the time the Depression hit, Jeannette and her mother were living with Jeannette’s grandparents. Any money young Jeanette won from dancing competitions went straight to supporting the family.
The book is filled with wonderful stories, none more important than the amazing story of when five-year old Jeannette accepted Christ and then led her mother to the Lord. Years later they were baptized together.
Jeannette would attend seminary in New Orleans. She began her courtship with Truett when she returned home after completing her studies in 1947. Truett proposed on Georgia’s Lookout Mountain, and they would be married in 1948.
Trudy writes about the family moving from Atlanta to a 262-acre piece of property in the country in 1957. Music and animals were a big part of their lives. Both her mother and father taught eight grade Sunday School classes at their local church for many years. Her mother also played the music for the worship services.
One of my takeaways from the book was “The Three M’s” (Master, Mate, Mission):
• Who is going to be master of your life?
• Who will be your mate for life?
• What will be your mission in life?
The book is filled with stories that will bring a smile to your face. Here are a few of my favorites:
• The Great Bee Debacle of 1957
• A lesson about a penny
• The Great Motorcycle Incident of 1964
• Joy’s polka-dotted, chicken-pox birthday party
• The Chick-fil-A pin
• Her parents daily breakfast date
Trudy writes that her mother was in every way, a servant. While not diminishing her father’s faith, her brothers and her always saw their mother as the spiritual center of their family. She was committed to Bible study, Scripture memorization, prayer and openly talked to her heavenly Father each day.
For those who love Chick-fil-A, as I do, I think you’ll really enjoy reading about the “First Lady of Chick-fil-A”.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews