Catharine Willis Roberts

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Catharine Willis Roberts, lovingly known as “Cathy, Chief, Honey, Baby, Mom, Mamma, and Grandma” to those family and friends that knew her best, passed away on September 15, 2024, born May 28, 1949, in Arapahoe, NC. She was surrounded by her daughters and son. Her loving husband was at church praying with the church family and she passed at that moment. Catharine exemplified the virtues of a supportive, reliable, and strong woman, wife, and mother. She was the backbone in the lives of her loved ones, always there to lend a hand or share kind words of her wisdom. Married to her beloved husband, David, since December 8, 1965. Catharine’s loyalty to her family was the foundation of her life.

Catharine graduated from Craven Community College with her Cosmetology License. She began working for Mary Hardison’s salon located in the same building as Duval’s service station. Here she would build a clientele of valued customers and friends. This led her to eventually opening her own salon in Arapahoe located in a trailer that her and David renovated. Later in life she left the cosmetology field and began working for Hudson Manufacturing in Reelsboro, NC as a seamstress. This is where she rekindled her passion for sewing something she had learned early in life. This passion and creativity grew and eventually landed a job at His & Hers Alterations. She worked there for many years and eventually her and her sister, Lois Lupton bought the business and became co-owners. This was quite an accomplishment for both sisters. Catharine became sole owner of the business. This accomplishment gave her much pride in herself. One of her proudest accomplishments from this was buying and paying for “Big Blue”, her Toyota truck completely on her own. This truck still sits in the driveway today.

Catharine’s hobbies included gardening, mowing the yard, and working in her flower beds. She never wanted a vase of flowers because those wilt and die. She always wanted flowers she could plant so she could always enjoy them. She loved the outdoors and her babies (her many dogs throughout her life.) What she loved most was being a wife, a mother, and grandmother which brought her much joy and a full heart.

Catharine is survived by her loving husband, David of 58 years, daughter, Tammy Hendrix (Jim), “The Boyz” Anthony Hendrix and Andrew Hendrix (Emily), Alvin “AJ” Hendrix (Kaitlyn), James “Buddy” Hendrix (Rebecca), and Carolyn Hendrix (Matt); son, Jeffery Roberts (Branda), Raven Herring (Stephen), Jolene Deluna, and Adreanna Garcia; brother, Jerry Willis (Chyrl); and sister, Pauline Koonce (Carson).

Catharine was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Minnie Willis; her son, David Ray Roberts Jr.; her sisters, Mary Francis Brady and Nora Reynolds; and her brother, Jackie Willis.

Catharine’s resilience in the face of adversity with her many illnesses and her unwavering loyalty and love to her loved ones will forever serve as inspiration to those she leaves behind to always find the strength to carry on and to never ever give up. She will live forever in the hearts and minds of all who loved her.

Catharine’s love for the Lord began at a very young age and carried her through life and many tough times as well as many good times. She was an avid member of Amity Christian Church where she served the Lord and the community. She would send cards and flowers to anyone in need of a smile.

The Visitation will be Saturday, September 21 at 10am with the funeral beginning at 11am at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home. Her son, Jim Hendrix will be officiating alongside Rev. Kenny Connor her pastor. Graveside will be immediately following at Amity Christian Church.

Family will be receiving friends at the home in Arapahoe throughout the week. We do ask that the visiting ends each day at 7.

In lieu of flowers the family would love for donations to be made to Amity Christian Church, PO Box 235, Arapahoe, NC 28510; Hospice of Pamlico, PO Box 6, Bayboro, NC 28515, or the Gideons of Pamlico, PO Box 37, Bayboro, NC 28515.