Mary Blue Catlett

1935 - 2024

Mary Blue Cameron Catlett, 88, of Woodstock, Virginia, died Sunday, April 21, 2024. She was born June 13, 1935 in Wilmington, North Carolina, the oldest of three children of Martha Williams Shelton and William Lauchlin Cameron. She was predeceased by her husband, Norman Leigh Catlett (1932 - 2022), the love of her life.

Mary Blue had a remarkable journey, assuming traditional and trailblazing roles with grace, dignity and a commitment to excellence. She supported Norman as he began his career shortly after they married in 1954. Prioritizing the needs of their young family, they raised their three sons to school-age before Mary Blue embarked on her own professional career and continuing education. Beginning as a school teacher in 1967, Mary Blue subsequently earned her Master of Education from James Madison University before advancing to leadership roles in Shenandoah County Public Schools, including Supervisor of Elementary Schools, Director of Instruction and Dean of Central Campus, while mentoring countless up-and-coming teachers along the way. Mary Blue was one of the first three women to join The Rotary Club of Woodstock in 1989, serving as its first female President from 1995 to 1996 and remaining active well beyond her retirement in 2000 up until her death. In 2024, the club chose her as the recipient of the Joseph B. Clower Award for lifetime community service.

Mary Blue was warm and inclusive, always wanting to be involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was supportive of family and friends at every opportunity. In retirement, she enjoyed spending time in Myrtle Beach, where she and Norman were married. She also enjoyed exercising and visiting friends at the gym. She kept up with the latest technologies, becoming rather prolific at social media to engage with friends. Mary Blue was extremely proud of her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her immense joy.

Mary Blue is survived by her three sons: Norman Leigh Catlett Jr. (Mary), Warren Cameron Catlett (Rachel) and Richard Shelton Catlett (Susan); her grandchildren: John Shelton Catlett (Mollie), Anna Blue Catlett (Kris) and Jacob Russell Johnson (Stasha); her great-grandchildren: Margo Blue Catlett, George Schoeb Catlett and Emerson McCoy Locklear; and her siblings: Claude Lauchlin Cameron and Ethel Gayle Cameron.

There will be a private family funeral service. A public celebration of the lives of Mary Blue and Norman will be held at Muse Vineyards, Woodstock, on May 1, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Woodstock Rotary Foundation, RE: Mary Blue Catlett, PO Box 602, Woodstock, VA 22664-0602; Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 122 East Court St., Woodstock VA 22664; or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Online condolences may be made at valleyfs.com