Johnnie Mae Starling Cato was born on January 1, 1932, to her parents Arthur Starling and Beneva Sanders Starling in Henderson, Texas in Rusk County. She attended public schools in Henderson and graduated from Emmett J. Scott High School in Tyler, Texas. Shortly after finishing high school, she began the Health Center's Nurse Training Program. After years of demanding work, she received her Nursing Certificate in August of 1959. She worked at the University of Texas Health Center for 34 years before officially retiring in 1993.

Johnnie met and married her husband J.L. Cato in Henderson, Texas. To that union two children were born, her son, Glynn Edward Cato and her daughter, Johnetta LaGale Cato Tucker. She joined Greater St. Mary Baptist Church shortly after her marriage and her move to Tyler, Texas.

She was a member of the Galas Social and Civic Arts Club, Ladies of Color Civic Organization and an associated member of Jack and Jill, Inc. She enjoyed traveling, entertaining her family and friends and decorating her home.

Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents , Arthur and Beneva Starling, her husband J.L. Cato, her sisters, Azalee Johns, Ocie Peterson, Geneva Starling, Christene Johnson, Ruby Hooper, her brothers, Albert Starling and Arthur Starling, Jr. and her two children Johnetta LaGale Cato-Tucker and Glynn Edward Cato. Johnnie was the youngest of the Starling siblings.

Johnnie leaves to cherish her memories her daughter-in-law Dona Cato, her two grandsons, Johnathan Michael Tucker and Jarrell Edward Cato, her God daughter, Jaida Crowley, her God son, Jalen Peterson plus numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.