Catherine Clarke Dunn

NEWPORT NEWS - Catherine "Katie" Clarke Dunn died Thursday morning, Oct. 1. She was born March 25, 1921 in Elizabeth City County, Va. and grew up in Goochland County, Va. She graduated from Goochland High School and White's Commercial College. After finishing school, she moved to Newport News and married Jimmie Dunn on July 13, 1943. They built a life together in Newport News and raised three sons there. In addition to being a wife and mother, Katie also had a successful professional career. She began working as a secretary for C. K. Hutchens at the Newport News Automobile Exchange. She later worked at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Employees' Credit Union (now BayPort) from 1956 - 1986. She began as a "half-day" employee, working from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. so she could send her boys off to school with a hot breakfast and be there for their return. Known as "Miz Dunn" on the shipyard's waterfront, she worked as a loan officer and "told the Credit Committee what to do," according to credit union sources. We believe she was the first woman to retire from the credit union. She is survived by her three sons, Jay (Mary Lee), Billy (Susanne) and Rob (Banna), five grandchildren and two great grandsons, who all knew her as "Gaga." She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, her brother and sister, her parents, and one grandson. Katie was a charter and active member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church. She loved her church and her ministers. She also loved Oreo cookies, Reese's Cups, Happy Hours, caring for others and being with family and many friends. She will be lovingly remembered for her kindness to all and her servant's heart. The Dunn family would like to thank her "Visiting Angels" for the great care and kindness they have shown Katie during the final years of her life. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Hidenwood Presbyterian Church (414 Hiden Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606). A visitation will take place Monday, Oct. 5 at Peninsula Funeral Home from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow. The burial service will be private. For those attending the funeral, please wear red in celebration of Katie's vibrant, fun-loving and kind spirit. We also ask that you raise your glasses high and have a final toast in her honor.