Catherine Dees

WILSON - Catherine Peacock Dees, 93, died at Wilson Medical Center, Friday, September 16, 2011 with her daughter and sitter, Gwen Ballance by her side.

Funeral, Monday, 11 AM, Maplewood Cemetery, conducted by Rev. William Holliday.

Catherine was the daughter of the late Ethel Smith Peacock and Clarence Wasdin Peacock. She grew up in Goldsboro, graduated from Goldsboro High School and attended Women's College in Greensboro. She was a devoted wife and mother and her children always knew if they needed her for any reason, she would be there for them.

She was the widow of Wiley Cox Dees and was also preceded in death by her son Wiley Clenon Dees, sister, Margaret Peacock Ellison and brother, Clarence Wasdin "Icky" Peacock.

Catherine enjoyed gardening; being in a garden club, flower arranging, playing in several bridge clubs and playing tennis. Reading mysteries was one of her favorite pastimes, but when she became legally blind with macular degeneration, she enjoyed listening to books on tape. Remarkably with only peripheral vision, she crocheted 50 Afghans while listening to the tapes. She donated the to various organizations and gave to friends, relatives and anyone she met. She also prepared food, with the help of her grandson, to give to shut-ins. Even after she became a shut-in, her caring never wavered as she continued to do good deeds for others. Many times when she received flowers, she wanted to divide them to share with another person who was not well.

When her vision worsened and she was no longer able to drive, she transferred from First United Methodist Church to West Nash United Methodist Church so she could attend church with her daughter.

She is survived by her daughter, Jenny Lou Dees, her grandson and main caregiver, Erick Griffin, and her beloved cat, Lucky, all of Wilson.

A special thanks to her remarkable sitter, Gwen Ballance, who Catherine considered part of her family. Also, much appreciation to the fifth floor staff and Hospice at Wilson Medical Center for their compassion and skill.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to For The Love of Dogs, PO Box 8246, Wilson NC 27893, the Wilson County Humane Society, PO Box 7064, Wilson NC 27895, or West Nash United Methodist Church, PO Box 8298, Wilson NC 27893.