Obituary of Katherine Charlton

Katherine V. Charlton Chesapeake ‘ Katherine Vista Shirley Charlton, 92, went home to be with her Lord May 26, 2005. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, R. Wilbur Charlton. She was born in Princess Anne County to Laban and Bessie Bell Perkins Shirley. Her 6 siblings predeceased her: Myrtle S. Forman Walton, Edythe S. Pierce, Charlie W., Harry R., J. Cecil and Horace C. Shirley. She was known as Aunt Kitty by her family and Miss Kitty by many friends both young and old. Although she never had children of her own, she was a second mother to her nieces and nephews. No one could have loved children as she did. She was a member of Hickory United Methodist Church, a member of Joyful Noise Sunday School class, 63 year member of the church choir, Sunday School teacher of preschool children and Vacation Bible School preschool for 50 years, member of Order of Eastern Star #155 for 49 years, Christian Business Women, delivered ‘Meals on Wheels’ for 20 years, charter member of Hickory Senior Group, United Methodist Women and attended weekly Bible Study class every Tuesday morning. If Ripley’s ‘Believe It Or Not’ only knew her, she probably sent more birthday, anniversary, get well, thank you, thinking of you, baby, wedding, graduation cards, etc. than anyone they knew. She never forgot any of these dates and she never forgot ages. If you wanted to know the date of anything, just ask Aunt Kitty. She could tell you. She had a very sharp memory right up to the end of her brave battle with cancer. Her chocolate cake was everyone’s favorite and no one will be able to duplicate it. There was never a crumb left at family gatherings. Her nieces, nephews and friends loved her very much and will miss her deeply. She was a true lady with unblemished character. The family will receive friends Monday, May 30 from 7:00 until 8:30 pm at Twiford’s Funeral Home. Other times, family will be at the home of Adabelle & Pat Riddick, 5769 Blackwater Rd., Va. Beach. A celebration of her life will be at the funeral home Tuesday at 11:00 with Rev. Tom Mercer and Rev. G.C. Harbuck leading the service. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.