Individual Details

Death

"You will not see me, so you must have faith. I wait for the time when we can soar together again, both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest and when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart...I will be there." Emily Dickenson Mary Catherine Furr, of Roanoke, died at the age of 85, due to complications of cancer and dementia. She is preceded in death by her mother, Sammye Ada Furr; father, Guy Littleton Furr Sr.; and sister-in law, Judy Furr. Surviving family are her brother, Guy Littleton Furr Jr.; nephew, David Furr; and niece, Mary Rosser Furr. The family wishes to thank her caregivers, Michelle Andrews, Stephanie Smith, Pat Johnson, and Lekeisha Hash, for all their loving care and to Good Samaritan Hospice for their excellent guidance during these last few months. Mary Catherine was born in Bluefield, W.Va., on August 27, 1926. Surrounded by love and support since childhood, she was given a strong foundation which laid the groundwork for future opportunities that later enabled independent living. She never let her disabilities get in the way of a full and satisfying life. With an always determined and courageous spirit, she showed resilience during adversity, and found ways to be included among friends. After graduating from Bluefield College, she continued her education at the National Business College for secretarial studies in Roanoke, Va. She worked for Dominion Signs, Inc. under presidents, Anson Jamison and Thancher Turner, until the company closed in 1996. She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and member of the women's chapter. In 2002 she moved to Rosalind Hills Baptist Church. Throughout her life she maintained a deep Christian faith, often saying, "I wear the cross on the inside." Her many activities included being a member of the Shi Kane sorority since 1950, and entertaining in her home. The Birthday Girls, Christmas parties, Shi Kane dinners, and neighborhood parties in her side yard were all memorable events that she enjoyed. She was very artistic and worked in needlework, arts and crafts, painting and scrapbooking. She also enjoyed gardening, swimming, and cooking. She believed in strong family ties and loved gatherings with family summer reunions and holiday celebrations. Graveside Funeral Services will be held at noon on Monday, November 21, 2011, in Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 11 to 11:45 a.m. on Monday at Oakey's South Chapel. Memorial services at Rosalind Hills Baptist Church will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure , 4910 Valley View Blvd., Suite 212, Roanoke, VA 24012 or to the Alzheimer's Association , 2728 Colonial Ave., Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24018.
Roanoke Times, Roanoke, Virginia, November 19, 2011