Catherine Alderson

Catherine Averette Alderson, 85, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on November 1, 1923, Catherine was the daughter of the late Eugene Lee and Ruthie Mae Averette. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Leonard, Charles, Austin, Ralph, and William and one sister, Mary Hyman. Catherine was married to Marion "M.C." Alderson Sr. for sixty-six years. Their love, care and devotion for each other are a shining example to all who know and love them. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four children and their spouses, Jo Carol and Jimmy Walker of Lexington, South Carolina, Diane and Bill Golden of Colonial Heights, Leslie and David Hasek of Glen Allen, and M.C. Jr. and Brenda Alderson of Colonial Heights; grandchildren, Greg Walker and wife, Diana, Dana Baleno and husband, Steven, Mickey Alderson and wife, Margaret, Geoff Alderson, Elliott Golden, Kyle, Ross, Rachel and Evan Hasek; six great-grandchildren, Walker McDowell, Olivia and Mia Baleno, Spencer and Catherine Alderson and Aidan Walker; her sisters-in-law, Louise Averette, Bonnie Averette and her special "sister," Doris Brown. Catherine also treasured numerous nephews, nieces, "adopted" children and many other dear family and friends. A devoted wife and mother, she loved to cook and sew for her family and friends (when she wasn't watching Jeopardy). Homemade German chocolate cake, coconut cake, vegetable soup, and buttermilk biscuits were only a few of her specialties. She was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church for over 47 years. The family expresses deep appreciation for the numerous medical professionals including, Crater Community Hospice, Dr. David Trent, and the Virginia Cancer Institute who were instrumental in her courageous sixteen year cancer fight. The family also remembers with love and gratitude her many cherished friends in Ashby Acres. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009 in Immanuel Baptist Church, 620 Lafayette Ave., Colonial Heights with the Reverend David Prather and the Reverend Fred Adkins officiating. Interment will follow Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday (tonight) at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund or Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."