Ulna Cathey McWhorter

Ulna Effie Maria Cathey McWhorter, age 86, of Quitman, Texas, passed away on January 28, 2025. She was born on May 5, 1938, in Quitman, Texas, in the same white frame house where she grew up. Ulna was the daughter of Horace Schley Cathey and Lillian Viola Brittain Cathey, and she was the only child in her family.

Ulna’s education journey was a testament to her dedication and love for learning. She attended Quitman schools from elementary through high school and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Texas State College in 1959. Ulna would later complete multiple master’s degrees, including a Master of Arts in English, a Master of Science in Library Science, a Master of Education in Counseling, all from East Texas State, and an interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Music, Photography, and Psychology from The University of Texas at Tyler.

Ulna had a long and meaningful career as an educator. She taught in several school districts, including New Diana ISD, Wood County rural schools Lone Grove and Lloyd (Coke), Hawkins ISD, and Quitman ISD. Her work spanned many years and roles, from teaching grade school and high school English to serving as an elementary music teacher, librarian, and counselor. In addition to her time at Quitman ISD, Ulna was also the first librarian at the Quitman Public Library when it was reorganized in the mid-1970s, helping to build and shape the library as a valuable resource for the community.

In 1958, Ulna married Billy Bob “Bill” McWhorter, a union that lasted for many years until his death in 2002. Together, they had two sons: Robert Benjamin McWhorter, born on October 7, 1966, and William Isaac McWhorter, born on October 8, 1973. Ulna cherished her role as a mother and later as a grandmother to four grandchildren: Michael Kenneth McWhorter (21), Lillian Esther McWhorter (13), Matilda Rose McWhorter (10), and William Finnegan “Finn” McWhorter (8).

Ulna was a lifelong music lover and an integral part of First Baptist Church in Quitman, where she served as the church pianist and organist for an astounding 70 years. Her passion for music began when she took piano lessons in third through twelfth grade, and her devotion to the church and her faith was evident in the years she spent sharing her musical gifts with others.

In addition to her career and faith, Ulna loved to travel with her family and church friends, making countless memories along the way. She found joy in the people she met and the places she visited, always seeking to deepen her connections to both family and community. In her retirement years, Ulna remained active in the community by participating in the Quitman Community Theatre and serving on the Wood County Historical Commission, where she continued to share her love of history, culture, and the arts.

Ulna was known for her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to those she loved. Her family, friends, students, and the church community will remember her not only for her contributions to their lives but for her gentle spirit, love of learning, and the beautiful music she shared for decades.

Ulna is survived by her son Robert McWhorter and his wife Kristi; her son William McWhorter and his wife Valerie; and her beloved grandchildren, Michael McWhorter, Lillian McWhorter, Matilda McWhorter, and William Finnegan “Finn” McWhorter.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations in Quitman, TX. Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, at First Baptist Church in Quitman, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Ulna.