Catherine A. Graybeal

1919 - 2014

Catherine A. Graybeal of Lincoln University On October 10th, Catherine Ashton Graybeal peacefully entered eternity after having lived a very long life; she was 95. Kitty was born in Plainfield, Indiana into a Quaker family in 1919. Early in Kitty's life her parents and four older siblings made the long trek to Harford County, Maryland where for many years the family welcomed weary travelers into their guest home known as Arbor Lawn. Kitty excelled as a student and graduated from Dublin High School in Maryland. Following graduation Kitty attended Olney Boarding School in Ohio for one year taking additional advanced courses. While there she continued in her love of sports by playing tennis after having participated in track during high school. The year following Kitty's graduation from Boarding School she met Wayne Graybeal and they were married during a lawn ceremony at Arbor Lawn in 1939. The newlyweds moved to Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania where they raised their family and labored together on a dairy farm. Soon after the couple was established in Pennsylvania they began attending, and later joined, Beulah Baptist Church where they were each involved. Kitty ministered to others as a Sunday School teacher, costume maker for Christmas programs, VBS, and hostess to countless Missionaries. She also held after school Good News Clubs and summer 5 day clubs through Child Evangelism Fellowship. Kitty was a host parent for inner city children through the Fresh Air Program, a hospital volunteer, and a faithful letter writer to her sons and other servicemen while they were in the military. Although Kitty and Wayne stayed very busy, the needs of the family were of high priority. Wayne and Kitty were married for 74 years; Wayne died in November of last year. Kitty is survived by her four children: James Graybeal of Coatesville Pa., Janet Kirkley of Elkton Md., Albert Graybeal and wife Suzanne of Coatesville Pa. and Philip Graybeal and wife Elaine of Greer, S.C.; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Prior to her death, Kitty was a resident at The Gardens, an assisted living community of Freedom Village in West Brandywine, Pa. Services will be held at Beulah Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 15th at 10:30 a.m. Friends may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Beulah Baptist Church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beulah Baptist Church Sunday School Program or Missionary Program at the following address: Beulah Baptist Church, 3815 Newark Road, Oxford, PA 19363. Arrangements by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., Oxford, Pa. On line condolences may be made at www.elcollins funeralhome.com