Catherine Stroupe Whitesides

Catherine Stroupe Whitesides 1919 - 2015 Our beloved mother, Catherine Whitesides, passed away peacefully, after a full life of 96 years, on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Morningside Assisted Living in Gastonia. Born April 26, 1919 in Stanley, she was the fourth of eleven children born to the late Walter Larrington and Bessie Robinson Stroupe. Catherine married Clarence E. Whitesides on March 28, 1936. They celebrated 72 years of marriage before his death in 2008. They raised a family and lived for more than 60 years on Sparrow Springs Road in Gaston County. Mrs. Whitesides retired as cafeteria manager of Chapel Grove Elementary School. Her love of children was evident in her service to them. Many students and teachers remember her famous peanut butter cookies and warm smile. She was an avid gardener and quilt maker. Catherine leaves a legacy of hard, diligent work and generosity toward all she met. A devoted member of Crowders Creek ARP Church for more than 62 years, her faith was evident in her service to others and her church. Catherine's family was the greatest joy of her life. She was Mama, sister, MawMaw and friend to more than just her family. She is survived by three children, Charles Whitesides and wife, Susan of Lexington, NC, Robert Whitesides, Sr. and wife, Brenda of Edisto Island, SC and Linda Stapleton and husband, Richard, of Gastonia. Mrs. Whitesides was blessed with nine grandchildren, Kim Mattheis and husband Phil, Rob Whitesides and Kerrie, Alice Valdes and husband Chris, David Broach and wife Kathryn, Derik Broach and wife Sarah, Reid Stapleton, Craig Stapleton, Amy Gilbert and husband Joel. She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren, Kathrine, Jeremy, Cassie, Caden, Elijah, Dixon, Ricky, Signe, Mary, Waite, Hanna and three great, great-grand children Jordon, Austin and Wyatt. Catherine also has one surviving brother, Clyde Stroupe, and dear friend Jean Brannon of Dallas, NC. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Raymond Whitesides, grandson, Curtis Whitesides and nine brothers and sisters. The Whitesides family offers their heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her with loving care, prayers, visits and cards. A special thank you to her church family, Morningside Assisted Living, Abington Assisted Living, PA Robin Jewett and Hospice of Gastonia. A service of worship to celebrate Catherine's life will be held at Crowders Creek ARP Church on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The family will greet friends in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crowders Creek ARP Church, 207 Crowders Creek Church Road, Gastonia, NC 28054 or Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.