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Catherine Harris Obituary
Catherine was born June 29, 1944, in Fayetteville, N.C. She was a graduate of Maggie L. Walker High School, Virginia Union University and the University of Virginia. She worked a number of years for Newport News City Schools, Hampton University, The College of William & Mary and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. She also worked for a number of years with local television Channel 13.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Catherine Johnson; father, Charles Merchant Johnson; sister, Harriette Johnson Evans; and niece, Susanne E. Rudd.
She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Denedriane Y. Dean; son-in-law, Arthur T. Dean II; and three grandchildren, Arthur III (Tre), Dominique Imani, and Adia Noell; one nephew; four nieces; several cousins and numerous family and friends.
Viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. today at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel 1601-27th St. NN, VA 23607 (757) 380-0251. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist Temple, 3100 Butternut Drive, Hampton, VA 23666. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Catherine Harris to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
Condolences may be sent to www.cookebros.com View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Harris
J. A. Hawkins
September 19, 2008
To The Harris Family,
My sincere sympathy is extended to each of you in the homegoing of your beloved mother. She was a lady of warmth and grace. She leaves fond memories for all who knew her.
Ruthann Kellum
September 17, 2008
Catherine was a dear and dedicated person. I had the opportunity to know her through her interpting for Hampton City Council and her work at VA School for the Deaf and Blind. I regarded her with great respect for her skill and hard work. She was a woman of grace and friendliness and I remember her smile and warmth. Please know that I extend sympathy to all family members and I will miss her many kindnesses and pleasant demeanor. God bless each of you.
Beverly Joyner
September 17, 2008
To the family of Catherine Harris,
I met Catherine when I worked at Hampton University. She was very, very sweet and really cared for her students. I will truly miss her lovely demeanor. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you.
Amy Ferguson
September 16, 2008
Dear Dee and Family ~
My family and I were so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
The Ferguson Family
Amy, Mary. Lester and Leslie
(Bethel Temple A/G)
Sandy Burkes-Campbell
September 15, 2008
To Dee, I never met you but worked with your mother for many years and she spoke of you and the children often with love and pride.
She was a lovely woman who cared deeply about her students. We will miss her smile and wonderful friendship.
Sandy Burkes-Campbell and staff,
Maico Audiological Services
Newport News
Beulah Davis
September 14, 2008
Dee and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother, friend and loved one, Mrs. Harris. As I remember her, she was a warm, friendly and Godly woman.
I met Mrs. Harris back in the day when she was married to Rev.Harris and Dee was a baby. She and Rev. Harris were very close friends of my Aunt Rose. In fact, we used to call her Kitty.
She has left a legacy with all of us. She touched so many lives in so many different ways. Most importantly, she helped others.
Be encouraged and blessed.
Doris Parks
September 14, 2008
Dee-Dee, I just returned from out of town and learned of your mother's passing. I am so sorry. She was a wonderful person, friend and teacher. I did not see her often after we both left VSDB but when we ran into each other we would spend lots of time catching up. She would update me on you and your children and I would do the same about Leah. I will miss her and keep you and your family in my prayers.
Peggy Cates Bernd
September 13, 2008
Dear Denedriane, Children
I was shock that she pass away. I know her so sweet person and I never forget her in my live. She loved her studies.II will never forget her words. She always told me I was a star. She will with you children alway love. She will go to heaven. She had a good spirit. I will always love her.
Delisa L. Wright
September 13, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. and I miss u more lots, u old my teacher's math class. I really thank u teach me. i will love u and miss u always. i 'll never forget Catherine Harris.
patricia robinson
September 13, 2008
i tell to her about tht real sorry about that yur mother . i miss to her rembmer tht my old school to her was class teacher that science class. i still not forget good sitution to us learn how teach on science things so things good make smile to us things. i know that her because for our teach to students how learn science not forget a long time things .it was fun with catherine harris so is nice person also she so good lady beautiful things so good sitution to us . for her blessing of god to love.
Anthony "Tony" Crisman
September 13, 2008
sorry about your mother she was sweet and funny, she alway be in heaven but she was my only teacher, but i hate when she died, i still miss her...... she will see me at heaven, i cant believe she died, i am really really really really and really miss her........
valarie mcelroy
September 13, 2008
i want to like tell u that i real sorry about ur mother is gone and i want u keep stromg in heart and ur mind too . i know how much wth my old teacher like enjoyed science class .it was fun with catherine harris is so nice sweet ladty also she not alike not old enought ha . i hope god wil send u see around of earth . peace
by valarie blount -mcelroy - newport news,va
Krista Stachura
September 13, 2008
Heritage High School has lost a great asset. Her dedication to her students was visible in all she did. I enjoyed working with her for these past few years and regret that I will not have more time to enjoy her company. Catherine was a beautiful soul!
Dorothy (Dot) Murray
September 13, 2008
Dear Denedriane, Arthur, Children and Family,
Catherine was a gift from God. I met Catherine(Kitty) in 1964 in the lounge at the Virginia School fpr the Deaf and Blind. Denedriane, when you were born, I took your mother's class.We were always there for each other through the years.
Sorry I cannot make the funeral because of my recovery from surgery.
I just wanted you to know that,God wanted a beautiful flowers to complete his flower garden,so he came and picked Kitty,She is resting in his arms now.
I will never forget Kitty. My prayers are with the family.
Tammy Baker
September 12, 2008
i m sorry to hear from you .. so far i miss you more lots never for your word show me smile .. i alway be with listen to take ur word show me lots and i really thank you keep my touch with my heart love alway be with ur studen. i saw you tv channel 13 never forget you . keep stand with ur smile show ever thing and take me seience learn lots .. we miss you all .. our familys tammy , hubby, childrens .. our sould and watch us love alway miss you ..
JUDY CARTER
September 12, 2008
IM SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOTHER. SHE IS MY FAVORITE TEACHER . SHES SWEET AND NICE PERSON. GOD LOVE HER. I MISS HER IM SAD FOR HER.
Belinda Johnson
September 12, 2008
I was so shock Catherine Harris is going home with Lord. I saw the news channels 13 every morning with interputer. She at rest and peacefully. God Bless Her psalm 23rd.
Beatrice Bland
September 12, 2008
I am sadly to Catherine J.Harris she was teacher for va school for the deaf in hampton va.I was work with her. I miss her . Peace at rest
Bailey Williams
September 12, 2008
I miss her she at rest she was sweet a person and he alway watch tv every morning channels 13 she is interputer God Bless her
Ronald & Rosetta Landon
September 12, 2008
Catherine was great teacher. she was always smile all the time . we were shock. time for God bless. she was work va school for for the deaf and blind at Hampton.
Ronald and Rosetta Landon of Hampton,va
Darin Gillis
September 12, 2008
Dee,
This is Darin Gillis, I am sorry to hear abt the loss of your mom and she is a very friendly, big heart, caring and loves ppl. I never forget Cathereine J. Harris always big smiles as you know my sister Tonya (Gillis) Daniels says I'm sorry to hear about your mom and I WILL BE PRAYING for your family
Betty Wilkerson
September 12, 2008
Catherine was a gift from Heaven to so many of us. She was one of VSDB-H's finest instructors. Her most sincere desire was to help each student reach his/her highest potential. Both deaf and hearing alike are saddened by her departure.
I am thankful for the warm friendship Kitty and I shared.
May God manifest His presence and strength to her family and to her many friends.
Robert Dewey Moore
September 12, 2008
Catherine Harris was my favorite teacher at VSDBH, I admired her determination of success in education and her love of teaching to Deaf students like me to explore and learn new things especially Science which subject she was good at. I will miss her and her fierce desire to produce students' minds on fire to reach their stars. Farewell, Mrs. Catherine Harris
former VSDBH student - Dewey Moore 1983 to '85
Dr. Marcia Banks-Alston
September 12, 2008
God has given each of us a purpose here on earth and I sincerely believe that Catherine fulfilled her purpose. She knew that she had a special call to work with the deaf and she did so with passion, dedication and skill. Certainly, she was an inspiration and a teacher to me. She not only taught me through organized Sign classes but she also taught me through her example as a woman of God. My life has definitely been blessed because of Catherine Harris. Family be strong, be proud. She carried out her God-given mission as a mother, an advocate for the deaf and a servant of the Lord..
Rev. Belinda McCleese
September 12, 2008
To Denedriane & Family,
I am sorry about your mother's death. Your mother had been a positive influence upon my spiritual life during my adolesence in the classroom as a teacher at VSD-H. Her gentle and caring spirit was one of her greatest aspect. I pray that you all will experience comfort in the Heavenly Father's embracing arms.
Janet Goon
September 12, 2008
I was so sadden to hear the news of a good friends passing. Even though I had just met Catherine this past year when she worked at Passage Middle School, it was such a joyous time in my life, we laughed at just about everything, it was the highlight of my day when she would roll into work driving her Corvette, I knew I was going to have fun that day. I will truly miss her and cherish every moment that we had together. May God Bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Janet Goon
September 12, 2008
Dear Denedriane, Arthur and children,
Frances and I were sadden beyond words to learn of the untimely passing of your mother, Catherine. We got to know her through my brother, James Singleton who worked with her at the Virginia School for many years. When our mother passed, Catherine came to Sumter to sign for James during the service. We all will miss her but God will help us to understand it better as time passes. K.D. & Frances Singleton, Sumter, South Carolina
La Tonya Ferebee
September 12, 2008
To The Family,
It was such a blessing and a welcomed opportunity to have known Catherine. Her beautiful smile and gentle spirit was a sweet inspiration to all. Her love for her students and our conversations together will forever be remembered in my heart. May God's grace embrace each of you during this time of transition.
Perry Dirana
September 12, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Lisa Bennett
September 12, 2008
I will miss you. I am sorry of your loss mom. I know her at school.I will pray for your family
gwendolyn terry
September 12, 2008
We'll alway remember u catherine in my teacher. She's alway smiling , caring , helping , teaching in science to hard work with me. She s good taking care of the students in our classes . She s my favorite teacher. We're so sorry heard of catherine that she will best of the rest in heaven. I will miss u catherine so much. She will keep watching on around with her familiers and friends too. In God will take caare of her for all our loving togethes . Love the family s johnson by gwendolyn n wilbert c johnson jr God Blessing of u all our soul and heaven as song in prayers.
tracey johnson
September 12, 2008
I will real miss you alot and I never forget about u are my favorite always smile and laugh thought of my life without you.So i will always think about you everyday my heart. i really sadly hear about news and i will prayer for you and familys smile! You are my student remember forever forget stop forever.i am going miss you alots be for there.
Tracey Johnson
Maureen Jackson
September 12, 2008
To the family
My thoughts and prayers are with during this difficult time. She will miss here at the Huntington Middle School. We shared my thoughts about our grandkids with each other. She was a beautiful person with the prettiest smile. If you keep her smile in mind your healing will become a smile as well. Remember family she was a joyful angel here on earth. I know she will be a joyful angel in heaven as well,
Becky Cyphers
September 12, 2008
Ms. Harris' gentle nature and sweet spirit paved the way for many sign language interpreters like myself. By her visibility on channel 13 news, she put a face and a name to a new profession. She also served as a pioneer for other interpreters of color in a field desperately in need of diversity. My prayers and sincerest sympathy are extended to her family and friends grieving her physical loss, but celebrating her spiritual gain. God bless you all.
Becky Cyphers, Interpreter VSDBMH
Linda L. Lane RN
September 12, 2008
De, You were a young teen when your Mom taught our group from Riverside Hospital sign language. I did not know she was ill. My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. You were the most important person in her live and she will remain in your heart for ever.
Sharon Wilkerson
September 12, 2008
I was shocking sadness of sorrow. I knew her so long time was my old teacher from Va school for the deaf at Hampton, VA though my classroom. that's my wonderful teacher scince / Lab class. I never forgot of remember her. about 1981 til 1988 i was graduation there. I will prayer for her family. Also I really missed her so much ready for her with Lord.
(VSD-Hampton 1988) from Rescue, VA
Tonja Cross
September 12, 2008
This is a journey we all must take and each must go alone, It's all a part of the Master's plan A step on the road to home.
Catherine we will miss you and your smile. I am praying for your family that they find peace.
Vivian Jones
September 12, 2008
I will miss you . Your teaching in the deaf community was wonderful and as one of your students ,I'll always remember you . You were one of my favorites . My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Angelyn Risher
September 12, 2008
My name Angelyn Risher, Mrs. Harris was my
favorite teacher in school i am sorry i hear news
i'm going to miss you soo much my love is always
there.
Andrea Davis
September 12, 2008
A wonderful spirited woman that showed kindness everyday and was one who always wore a smile to brighten up your day.....
Will be greatly missed
Priscilla S. Broughton
September 12, 2008
Catherine,
Your smile and warming charm will be missed at Hines Middle School. Continue to do your great works in Heaven.
S Hester
September 12, 2008
A very classy lady who will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys, during this difficult time.
Bobbie Bullock-Smith
September 12, 2008
Catherine was an angel to so many . Her love of teaching deaf students and her services in the community will never be forgotten. Bobbie Bullock-Smith
Jay Shopshire
September 12, 2008
The shock was a great one. She was well-loved in this community, and she will be long remembered by many.
I send my deepest sympathy to your family. I hope that time will soon heal your sorrow.
David Carroll, School Social Worker -Woodside High School
September 12, 2008
I worked with Catherine at Woodside High School for a number of years. I was so very sorry to hear of her passing. Catherine was a true professional who had a passion for her work in education. My sincere sympathy goes to her family and friends. She will be sadly missed.
September 12, 2008
A unique lady, and friend to a friend who will deeply miss her.
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