Catherine Mathes' Obituary
Catherine Mathes of Memphis, Tennessee and Kensington, Maryland, passed away on May 12, 2016. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 13, 1923 to Ima Canada and William Allen Shelton. She spent her life in Memphis and Germantown, Tennessee until moving to Washington, DC in May 2012 to live close to her daughter. She subsequently moved to Kensington Park Retirement Community in Kensington, MD. In Memphis, she graduated from Central High School and attended Memphis State University where she met and married in 1943 her husband the late Talbot (Cap) Mathes, Jr. Kitty was the loving mother to the late Talbot Mathes, III and to Linda Mathes, devoted daughter. Kitty’s work experience included working for the Memphis Light Gas & Water Company, as executive assistant in her husband’s Mathes Brothers Insurance Co., and as an assistant to the Dean of Education at Memphis State University. Kitty was a vivacious, caring woman, who volunteered with the American Red Cross, with autistic children and with other organizations. She was a talented pianist and gracious hostess. Kitty would light up a room with her red framed glasses and matching red shoes, her bright beautiful smile and twinkle in her eyes. She cared deeply for her family and friends and was ready to befriend all. She brought joy and love into the hearts and lives of everyone who came to know her. Kitty was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. William Allen Shelton; her husband Talbot (Cap) S. Mathes, Jr.; her son Talbot S. Mathes III and her miniature schnauzer Joy. Her daughter Linda Mathes lives in Washington, DC. A memorial service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Saturday, May 28 at 2:30 pm, the family will receive friends prior to service beginning at 1:30 pm. a reception will follow immediately after services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity or to Kitty’s favorite charity, American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, 8550 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22031 (www.redcross.org).Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis TN 38119. (901) 767-8930. “Honoring Life….Behind the Stone Wall.”
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