Dr. Catherine Barksdale

Dr. Catherine Turner Barksdale quietly and peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at home in Suffolk, Virginia. She was born in Suffolk, Virginia, on August 5, 1939, and was the daughter of the late Bishop Deamos Guy Turner, Southampton County, VA, and Annie Felton Vann, Suffolk, VA.

At an early age, she accepted Christ at East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA. After migrating to New York, she joined the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, NYC, where she served in the women's choir. Upon relocation back to Suffolk, she joined New Beech Grove Baptist Church, Newport News, with her daughter and son-in-law. She faithfully attended until her health began to decline.

Dr. Barksdale received her early education at Andrew J. Brown Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School, both in Suffolk, VA. She was a graduate of I.C. Norcum High School, Portsmouth, VA. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, and a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from Washington State University, Pullman, WA. She returned to Fordham University and earned a Doctorate of Education Administration.

A beloved and devoted reading instructor, Dr. Barksdale taught in the New York Public School System until her retirement after 31 years of service. During her impressive career, Dr. Barksdale significantly contributed to the field of teaching reading. She implemented teaching techniques that put theory into practice, touching the lives of thousands of students and parents. She subsequently authored the book "Parent Involvement in NYC Schools " in 1997.

Outside of the traditional teaching environment, Dr. Barksdale was an Education Consultant for the Featherbed Lane Improvement Association in the Bronx, where she served under the executive leadership of Robert Whetstone, her partner and confidant. Dr. Barksdale was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and served as President of Pi Phi Omega chapter, Queens, NY. She shared an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority legacy with her daughter, Clarissa McAdoo Cannion, and her granddaughter, Paris McAdoo Johnson. Dr. Barksdale was inducted into Phi Delta Kappa, a professional Fraternity of Education, and was an active member and Woman of the Year award recipient of the NAACP. Other memberships include the Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, and the National Association for Business and Professional Women.

While education was Dr. Barksdale's primary love, small business and personal development became her passion. She authored the book "A Guide to Giving Your Interview 100%" in 1983. As a result of her tedious work, starting businesses of her own and helping others to do the same, she was appointed by President George W. Bush as Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council to advocate for pro-business initiatives. When talking to Dr. Barksdale, any conversation would always lead her to say, "You need to turn that idea into a business"! Her TV pleasure was watching "Shark Tank" to hear the business pitches.

Dr. Barksdale was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Barksdale; her parents, Bishop Deamos Guy Turner, Sr., and Annie Felton Vann; her brother, Deamos Guy Turner, Jr.; and her sisters, Shirley Clemons and Theresita Vann.

Dr. Barksdale leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Clarissa McAdoo Cannion (Dwayne), Suffolk, VA, and Robert Whetstone, Bronx, NY. Nana, as she is affectionately called, will be greatly missed by seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and faithful caregivers, Wanda Bowers, Ann Epps, and Shayron Jones.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to For Kids, Suffolk, or Suffolk Education Foundation.