Mrs. Catherine Hennings Williamson

Walker and Mamie Hennings are the proud parents of their first born daughter Catherine, who arrived in their home June 5,1910 in Denmark, Tennessee. Walker and Mamie loved their children all thirteen of them, six sons and seven daughters. Walker was a pillar in St. John Baptist Church, where all of his children were taught the principles of the Bible and expected to live accordingly. When Othelder Williamson asked Catherine to marry him, she said, "Ask my Papa." They were married in 1932, and she rode off into the sunset in his horse drawn wagon. When they arrived at his dilapidated log cabin in the backwoods, he saw the horrified look on her face and said, "Don't worry uma build you a manchon." After seventeen years of drunken promises, the log cabin caved in on their six children, Loretta, Vikki, Robert, Audrey, EI Nora and Kassandra. Loretta graduated from Denmark High School and escaped to St. Louis to live with an aunt. Catherine took her remaining five children to live with her parents, and Othelder moved to Indianapolis with his brother and worked with him at LinkBelt. Eventually, the family joined him in Indianapolis. There was frequent trauma and drama in the home over the next eighteen years until Othelder died from a gunshot wound on Sept. 14, 1962. In spite of it all, Catherine stayed married. She had great faith, strength and prayers. She worked hard and made the best life that she knew how for her children. She was a creative seamstress and earned a living sewing. Even in the log cabin, her kids wore beautiful clothes that she made from old garments. She learned to drive at age 78. She learned to swim and dive when she was 80. Around 1984 she moved back to Denmark from Indianapolis, and she drove all over the place until her car broke down when she was 95. During her many years of driving, she transported other seniors wherever they needed to go. When her first cousin Maxine became ill and unable to care for herself, Catherine took her in and cared for her until other arrangements were made. Catherine loved St. John Baptist church and participating in the Denmark Senior Center. In October 2007, Catherine went to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Vikki and Kymmith, in West Covina, Ca. When her daughters came to visit, Kymmith drove Catherine and the family on many happy outings, including the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. Catherine loved life, and she lived a good one. She has been one with the Lord all of her life. She loved her children and her Hennings family. She was heartbroken when Loretta passed away in 1981 and only son Robert in 2004. Left to cherish her memories are: Vikki and Kymmith Handy, Audrey McFarland, El Nora Willingham, Kassandra and Ralph Moore, 14 grandchildren, 27 great- grandchildren and four great-greats. She is also survived by her adoring sisters, Audrey Watiker, Ruby Freeman, Mary Moore and a bunch of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Known as "Ms. Lady Catherine " after 102 years, she left us in LOVE on Valentine's, February 14, 2013.

Mrs. Catherine Hennings Williamson

June 5, 1910 - February 14, 2013