Cathy B. Wilson

Phone: (434) 848-2113

Saturday, 16 July 2022 14:11

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If you are reading this it means just one thing;

I have kicked the bucket and am rejoicing in heaven with my Lord! Yeehah! Yes, I wrote my own obituary leaving out the dates of course, but what do you expect from someone who spent over 30 years in the newspaper business? My final byline. By Cathy Eileen Barnes Jones Wilson - I came into this world on Oct. 11, 1951, when Dr. William Bishop slapped my behind at the Bane and Bishop Medical Center in Lawrenceville. Mama and Daddy, Ben and Jewel Harper Barnes, left this world a long time ago. I was a Christian, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a photographer, a journalist, a friend and writer. I loved my Lord, my family, my church, my friends, and the people in the communities I covered as a journalist for over 30 years. I loved dogs, firefighters, police officers, babies, birds, music, singing, dancing, photography, driving, watching my kids play ball, Grey's Anatomy, Blue Bell Ice Cream, and editing pictures in PhotoShop. I really disliked politicians, phony people, and seafood. I always rooted for the underdog. I married right after graduation from Brunswick Senior High School, then celebrated the birth of my first son, Wayne Crosby Jones, Jr. (Coby and Dawn of Bracey), two years later. My second son, Thomas Benjamin Jones (Ben of Newport News), followed five years later. Just two years after that, I was thrilled to give birth to my only daughter (Jenny Rebecca Jones of Richmond) after raising two rough and tumble, yet precious little boys. I especially enjoyed dressing Jenny in pinafores and bonnets! I was features editor for my high school newspaper and began my professional journalism career in 1979 as a receptionist/feature writer for the South Hill Enterprise office in Lawrenceville. I worked hard and was "old school"--meaning I learned how to be a reporter and photographer from seasoned professionals who knew what they were doing. I learned how to write by reading good writers. I asked questions that needed answers and exercised an insatiable curiosity daily. I believed the most important aspect of being a good journalist is to be a good listener… to really hear what people are saying…understand it and report it accurately and fairly. Even though I earned many writing, photography, and newspaper design awards on the national and state level over the years, I was more proud of the fact that I once had a news byline on the front page and a birth announcement announcing the birth of my daughter on the social page of the same newspaper! I covered a fire that day, met the news deadline for the paper, and then went into labor that evening. I gave birth and called my editor early that morning to dictate my birth announcement for the social page! I worked my way through the newspaper ranks and eventually became editor/general manager of the same paper where I began my journalism career. I also served as editor and/or reporter for the Brunswick Times Gazette in Lawrenceville, The Independent-Messenger in Emporia, and The Perquimans Weekly in Hertford, NC. One of my greatest honors was when both Hertford Town Council and the Perquimans County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Dec. 13, 2012 as Cathy Wilson Day in Hertford and Perquimans County. I followed my children everywhere. I served as a PTA president, state PTA committee chairman, Rotarian, a Red Cross volunteer, little league team mother, Cub Scout Den mother, Senior Saint, and church choir member for over 50 years. I was known by the kids in the community as "the newspaper lady" and was known to carry my camera everywhere I went. I shared life with my late husband Berle W. Wilson of Elizabeth City; children Coby and Dawn Jones of Bracey, Ben Jones of Newport News, Jenny Rebecca Jones of Richmond, step-son David Wilson of Hatteras Island; grandchildren Macie Jones, Brady Jones, Hailey Grace Jones, Andrea Wilson, Simon Wilson; sisters Diane Barnes of Mt. Vernon, Iowa and Laurie Barnes Elmore (James) of Prince George, Va. I will rest well in my nightgown in Oakwood Cemetery in Lawrenceville next to my parents following a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Arrangements are by Williams Funeral Home of Lawrenceville, VA. Condolences may be expressed at www.williamsfuneralhomeva.com. One last note of advice: always buy life insurance or marry an older man who has lots of it! ###

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14 comments

Comment Link Saturday, 23 July 2022 23:01 posted by Linda Bassett
My condolences to the family of Cathy Wilson. We were classmates at Brunswick Senior High School.
Comment Link Tuesday, 19 July 2022 12:04 posted by June Love
My childhood friend Cathy , I will miss you so much. We shared so much fun on 5th Avenue.
I looked up to you . You were like my big sister..
Nothing but fantastic and wonderful memories that I will cherish.
Love you
Comment Link Monday, 18 July 2022 10:12 posted by Jean Mozingo
Cathy was one of my favorite nieces. Her mother, Jewel had a lot to do with her upbringing as well as her father. She accomplished so much in her life. She was sweet and kind and and everyone who knew her, loved her. Those who knew her will agree. She is in the arms of God now!
Comment Link Monday, 18 July 2022 08:20 posted by Alden and Elaine Winslow
Cathy sang in our Choir at Elizabeth City Evangelical Methodist Church. She had a pretty voice and was faithful as long as she had good health. She could surprise you with her sense of humor. What a blessing to know her and to know that she is with Jesus with no more suffering. May God give each family member strength and peace during these days of grief. May the good memories bring you joy and comfort.
Comment Link Monday, 18 July 2022 08:05 posted by Joan Joy
Cathy, being my niece, was quite a few years younger than me, but I do remember pushing her in the
stroller on Easter Sunday at my Mother's house. We were all a large fun loving family. Having moved away for over 50 years it is good to hear she has had such a good life. I wish the best for her family as I know she would want that. May she rest in peace.
Aunt Joan(twin)
Comment Link Monday, 18 July 2022 07:38 posted by Beth Mayton Woodard
Cathy was such a sweet and funny lady. She always greeted you with a smile and a hug! Loved to read everything she wrote. Cathy will be missed by all. Prayers for peace and comfort go out to all of her family.
Comment Link Sunday, 17 July 2022 20:20 posted by Jeff Wells
Dear Jenny & Ben (sorry but I haven’t met your other siblings),

Donna & I have heard through Sarah of the loss of your Mom and we extend our deepest sympathies for your loss and hope that happy memories of her will ease your pain.

Sincerely,
Jeff & Donna Wells
Comment Link Sunday, 17 July 2022 11:45 posted by Sarah D. Coleman
So sorry to hear that Cathy has expired. I was driving thru town Friday....looked at the newspaper office ...and immediately thought of Cathy Jones. Why....I don't know. Cathy and I were good buddies, often sharing many laughs when we were together.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Comment Link Sunday, 17 July 2022 00:45 posted by Jerry W Hammack
One of my best friends from Brunswick High School. So smart and such a great writer, I loved reading things she posted on Facebook brought me to tears many times laughing at her humor. My deepest condolences to her family and her many many friends. A good friend residing now in Youngsville, NC.
Comment Link Saturday, 16 July 2022 21:23 posted by Diane Barnes
Sassy Cathy Eileen…most talented woman I’ve ever known. Could rock that piano as well as those drums, sing like an angel, tell us about the humor in any situation in her own Minnie Pearl style, snoop out any breaking news we needed to know. She’s left us far too early. My heart aches for the pain she suffered on Earth with poor health…my heart fills with joy now that she’s at peace and singing for us in the Great Beyond.