Catherine Gray Willis

WILLIS, Catherine Gray, passed away on October 31, 2013. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Cornelius Battle Gray and Nannie Gay Wright Gray; six brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Thomas H. Willis; her son, T. David Willis (Brenda); and a daughter, Cathy Waldrop (Charles); four granddaughters, Cheryl Bryant, Casey Warren (Patrick), Leslie McCrea (Christopher), and Jennifer Bowles (Brandon); six great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life, Brooke, Kara, Quinn, Declan, Easton, and Eli. Catherine worked at her beauty shop for 34 years. She taught Sunday school for 30 years and volunteered at Ashland Convalescent Center for 17 years, each one gave her much joy. Though fun loving and high spirited, she was a born again Christian and loved her Lord most dearly. She loved her church, Hopeful Baptist Church, where she served to the best of her ability. The family will receive friends and family from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Nelsen Funeral Home, Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at Hopeful Baptist Church, 14340 Hopeful Church Rd., Montpelier, VA 23192. Interment in the Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad or Hopeful Baptist Church.