Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations

01/15/2026

Personalized tributes like cremation pedestals, benches, and boulders create a lasting place to visit, reflect, and remember. 💙
Crafted from granite, bronze, or marble, these memorials can be inscribed with names, dates, messages, verses, and more—honoring a life in a meaningful way.
Learn more:

Dignity Memorial providers offer many cremation cemetery property options that can be customized to suit your family’s needs. Visit now and start planning today.

01/12/2026

KATHY LEDFORD BROOKS

HICKORY – Kathy Ledford Brooks, 75 of Hickory went home to be with her Maker on January 6, 2026.

Kathy was born on January 30, 1950 in Lincoln County, NC to the late Betty Jo Ledford.

She was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Kathy retired from Hickory Springs after working there for over 50 years. She loved her family and cats fiercely. Kathy was a strong supporter of Billy Graham Ministries and Compassion International. Her greatest characteristics being very generous and always willing to help others in need. Kathy loved her Lord and Savior.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 27 years, William Brooks, sister, Norma Wellmon and husband Steve; nieces and nephews, Gordon Killian and wife Tara, Breeann Smith and husband Clay, Michaela Sizemore and husband Justin; great-nieces and great-nephews, Savannah Killian, Ella Arndt, Annabelle Smith, Betty Smith, Hadley Sizemore, Hank Sizemore; and her beloved cat, Yeti.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 12 PM at Catawba Funeral Home with Pastor William Kanupp officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 AM -12 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Billy Graham Ministries or Compassion International.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Brooks family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.

01/12/2026

Patsy Whitener Kanagy, 85 of Deland, Fl. passed away on December 14, 2025, at her home.

She was born in Hickory, NC on May 30,1940. Patsy retired as a residential sales associate for Coldwell Banker.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Deland, Fl. where she served as a deacon.
She was also an accompanist, director of youth groups, taught Sunday school and sang in various church choirs, all part of her life serving our Lord.
She was also a member of the Deland Bridge Club, a lifetime member of the Garden Club and a former National Flower Show Judge.
Patsy enjoyed gardening, playing piano and organ, playing bridge, singing, and quilting.

She is predeceased by her husband of 34 yrs, David R. Kanagy, her stepson Harold R. Waters, Jr., her parents Oliver and Mary Lou Whitener and her sister Shelia Hildebran (Bob).

She is survived by her stepchildren, James Kanagy (Darcy) and Christine Kanagy (Andrew); Brothers Barron Whitener (Lois) and Dale Whitener (Jan); her Charlotte family, Marge Sloat and her children John Sloat(Christina) and Kimberly Sloat(Mark); step-grandson Dustin Kanagy (Lauren) and step-great granddaughters Aubrey and Emma.

A memorial and internment will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Catawba Memorial Park, Hickory, NC. Pre-receiving at 10:30, Memorial at 11:00am with inurnment immediately following.
All in attendance are invited for fellowship and meal 12:45pm at Mountain Grove Baptist Church, Hickory, NC.

In lieu of flowers Patsy asked that all memorials be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Deland, Music Scholarship fund.

01/11/2026

Whether your loved one died recently or decades ago, the New Year can bring waves of grief. Missing them, yearning for them, and feeling strong emotions is normal. You don’t have to have all the answers. 💙
Here are a few gentle ideas to help you cope with grief in the new year:
👉

Grief in the New Year can stir anxiety, sadness, and longing. These six mindful practices offer gentle support, practical tools, and compassionate connection through loss.

01/09/2026

Your story matters.
Explore meaningful ways to be remembered with our free Memorial Inspiration Guide.
Download here:

A memorial service that celebrates the details that make you unique takes careful planning. Get your free copy of Imagine: A Memorial Inspiration Guide today.

01/02/2026

A new year is a time for reflection, planning, and peace of mind.

During January, we’re offering special New Year’s savings on pre-need cemetery, funeral, and cremation arrangements — helping families plan ahead with care and confidence.

📅 January 1–31
💙 Thoughtful planning today can ease the burden tomorrow.

Reach out to speak with one of our associates or stop by to learn more.
828.322.8646

01/01/2026

STEPHANIE “STEVIJO” JOBETH MORGAN MCCLOSKY

Connelly Springs – Stephanie “SteviJo” Jobeth Morgan McClosky, 40 of Connelly Springs, NC joined her mother and brother on Tuesday December 30th, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on November 17th, 1985, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, Stephanie, “SteviJo,” was the daughter of Steven Wayne Morgan and Marcia Doreen Vance.

She was known to have the voice of an angel and a mouth that could rival any sailor. She was naturally creative with a deep love for books, animals, music, the Ravens and family. SteviJo recently earned a permanent position as Plant Operator for Duke Energy after several years of contract work.

SteviJo’s huge heart left a lasting impact on all those she met. Her spirit will live on through the recipients of her organs which she so generously donated to families in need.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 14 years, Michael McClosky; and innumerable family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or your local animal shelter in SteviJo’s name.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The McClosky Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals, And Cremations

12/31/2025

WILLADEAN ELLER ELLIOTT

HICKORY – Willadean Eller Elliott, 91 of Hickory went home to be with her Lord on December 28, 2025.

Born on April 19, 1934 in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late George Theodore and Bessie Woody Eller.

Willadean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She was a member of Longview Church of God. Willadean was an amazing baker, seamstress and she enjoyed playing Bingo with her friends at Trinity Village.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herb Elliott; siblings, Doris Dillion, Linda Goforth, Gladys Hollifield, Dayton Eller, AC Eller, Harold Eller, and Virgil Eller.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Ronny Elliott and wife Sharon, Donny Elliott, Terry Elliott and wife Pamela, Grady Elliott and wife Penny, Cynthia Ann Carver; grandchildren, Gene Elliott and wife Chasity, Jennifer Morrow and husband Ryan, Thomas Elliott, Brooke Soesbee, Michelle Holman and husband Terry, Susan Elliott Church, Lisa Guinn and husband Ned; great-grandchildren, Hannah Morrow, Rylie Maltba and husband Ryan, Colby Guinn; great-great-grandchildren, Damitri Cummings, Ares Cummings, Aramis Church, Luna; sister, Vivian Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 1 PM at Longview Church of God in Long View with Pastor EJ Martin and Rev. Jimmy Church officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12 PM – 1 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Children’s Fund at Longview Church of God, Senior Bingo fund at Trinity Village, or Walkin’ Roll Activities League.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the wonderful staff at Trinity Village.

Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.

The Elliott Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.

12/29/2025

Every life leaves a legacy worth honoring.
Whether you choose in-ground burial, above-ground entombment, or a cremation option, cemetery property provides a meaningful place for family and friends to visit, reflect, and remember.

Dignity Memorial® cemeteries offer a wide range of burial options, and our compassionate professionals are here to help you select what best reflects personal wishes, family preferences, and cultural traditions.

Watch this video to learn more about your options:

There are several types of cemetery properties and different burial options. Learn more about in-ground and aboveground options for you and your loved one.

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas 🎄