Katherine Duggins

DUGGINS, Katherine Whitehead, age 93, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2010. She was born April 1, 1917 in Courtland, Va., to Henry Luther Whitehead and Fannie Applewhite Whitehead. Her parents; and sisters, Bessie, Blanch and Frances preceded her in death. She leaves one son, Manfred Wyatt Duggins and his wife, Lockie; numerous nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom she loved dearly. After graduating high school, Kate moved to Richmond as a young woman and worked for General Foods, Thalhimers & Woolworth's before she embarked on a career at Home Beneficial Life Insurance Company that spanned more than 25 years. Upon retirement she obtained her real estate license and joined New Horizons Realty for a short period of time. Kate was so active and full of life; she couldn't just remain retired so at age 67 she started another career as office manager in The Byrd Center Leasing Office where she remained until age 87. As a lifelong active Methodist, Kate was a charter member of Walmsley Boulevard United Methodist Church and more recently was an active member and volunteer at Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church. She always sought to help people and her volunteer endeavors were a testament to her commitment. Her many years of service included 25 years volunteering at Chippenham Hospital, also for the Richmond Senior Center and United Methodist Family Services. For over 30 years, Kate could be seen working at the polls at her neighborhood-voting precinct on Election Day. The family is grateful for the loving care extended by the staff of the Hospice Unit at Retreat Doctors' Hospital. Visitation will be held at Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, October 22, at 1 p.m. A celebration and remembrance of her life will be held at 2 p.m. at Ramsey Memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations may be made to Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 5900 Hull Street Rd., Richmond Va. 23224.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.