Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Oakvale Baptist Church in Oak Vale for Willie Catherine Hathorn, 88, of Oak Vale, who passed away Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lawrence County Nursing Home. Interment will be at Oakvale Baptist Church Cemetery in Oak Vale. Bro. Eddie Myers will officiate the services. Chris Turnage and Teddy Millette will provide special music. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Oakvale Baptist Church.

Mrs. Catherine attended  Monticello High School and went on to attend Copiah Lincoln Junior College where she was elected Miss Copiah Lincoln and was inducted into the Co-Lin Hall of fame.  In 1956 she married Jesse Calvin Hathorn.  Together they operated Hathorn's Grocery and Hardware until his death in 2007.  Mrs. Catherine continued store operations with her son Joey until 2021 when she retired at the age of 83.  Hard work and humility were pillars of her character.  The store was her mission field, where she showed the love of Jesus to countless customers over the years.  Catherine was a long time member of Oakvale Baptist Church, where she sang and used her beautiful, sweet voice to sing cherished hymns to her Savior.  Many of her retired days were spent enjoying the gospel music she loved so much.  She was the most humble servant of her beloved Lord.  The impact she had on her community and loved ones is immeasurable.  Her life of service and love will certainly continue through those who were fortunate enough to be loved and influenced by her.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Calvin Hathorn;  Father, William Steen;  Mother, Ludie Edwards Steen;  Sister, Anne Story (Billy);  Brother-In-Law, Billy Stephens.

She is survived by her two Sons, Joey  Hathorn and Landall Hathorn (Alicia);  two Daughters, Charlotte Freeman (Wilbur) of Oak Vale, MS and Gail Millette (Teddy);  eight Grandchildren, Catherine Lawhorn (Alex), Teddy Millette (Karen), Matthew Millette, Rachael Jones (Jonathan), Heather Beddingfield (Bo), Paul Patterson (Samantha), Rose Hathorn and Anna Hathorn;  Sister, Bobbie Stephens;  seven Great Grandchildren, Lucy Lawhorn, William Lawhorn, Molly Lawhorn, August Jones, Calvin Beddingfield, Maddy Beddingfield and Luke Patterson;  Nephew, A host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Paul Patterson, Calvin Beddingfield, Chet Myers, Waygon Sanders, Kyle Williamson, Zac Parkman, and Wes Daniels. Honorary pallbearers will be Jan Sanders, Beth Williamson, Richard Bourn, and Bill Hammond.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.co