Catherine Lucas Whittington, 82, of Dunbar, passed away at Charleston Gardens on Sunday, October 21, 2012, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on November 26, 1929, in Dunbar to the late Nell Susan Quinn and Lloyd Lucas, Catherine owned and operated Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar for over 40 years and was a valuable contributing member to her community and state. She and her late husband, C. Ray Whittington, also established Good Shepherd Mortuary in South Charleston in 1966 and operated the funeral home until 1989.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Carl, Lloyd "Junior", and Johnny Lucas; and her sisters Lorene "Lo" Fields, Barbara "Bobby" Withrow, and Frances "Frannie" Marshall.

Catherine is survived by her children, Cathy McCarty and her husband Mike of South Charleston, J. Todd Whittington and his wife Melissa of Dunbar, HR Whittington, and Dee Osborne. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Emily Catherine McCarty of Charlotte, NC, Julie Higginbotham and her husband Bob of Charlotte, NC, Abby Justice and her husband Adam of Clarksburg, Jacob Todd Whittington of Dunbar, Barbara Whittington, and Bethany Whittington. Her three great grandchildren are Catherine Judith "CJ" Higginbotham, William Michael "Will" Higginbotham, and Anna Elizabeth Justice. Catherine is also survived by beloved nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Catherine was well-known in her city as a past Miss Bulldog at Dunbar High School. She loved the beach, chocolate and the state of West Virginia. She had been a member of the WV State College Presidents Club board, the Dunbar Branch of the United Bank Board, and the Mountaineer Athletic Club. She was an avid WVU fan, even when they were losing. Catherine was a member of Dunbar United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star Dunbar Chapter #133, which is now affiliated with the South Charleston Chapter #131. During Governor Gaston Caperton's term, she was a member of one of his Judicial Selection Committees. Catherine contributed to many community functions and organizations and was an avid philanthropist.

She was known for her kindness and generosity of spirit and served many families throughout the Kanawha Valley. Catherine will be remembered for her empathy and sympathy for those in need. Her welcoming smile drew people to her and brought comfort to the many who sought her care when they needed it most. She appreciated and cared for all who entered her funeral home doors.

Special thanks to the staff at Charleston Gardens Memory Loss Unit, who lovingly cared for our Mother and continues to care for those afflicted with this debilitating disease.

Catherine's family will welcome friends on Friday, October 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. in her Keller Funeral Home Chapel. Her funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, October 27, at the Dunbar United Methodist in Dunbar, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Okey Harless officiating . She will be interred at Grandview Memorial Park in Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make contributions to DISC/Food Pantry or to Dunbar United Methodist Church. Checks can be made payable to Dunbar United Methodist Church, 1401 Myers Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064, and marked either for the church or food pantry.

Catherine's arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar.