Catherine Jane Jones Caughron's Obituary
Catherine Jane Jones "Cathy" Caughron, 88, formerly of Woodberry Forest, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2014 at Dogwood Village Senior Living in Orange. She was born September 9, 1925 in Harlan County, Kentucky to the late James Harrington Jones and Florence Wagner Jones, and was raised in Johnson City, Tennessee.
On June 4th, 1946, she married her beloved Harry W. “Red” Caughron with whom she enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Red and Cathy lived in Williamsburg, Winchester and Alexandria, Virginia before moving to Woodberry Forest School in 1960 where Red served as Athletic Director, coach and teacher.
Cathy Caughron filled many roles during her long, remarkable life. For 32 years, she was integral to the operation of Woodberry’s Athletic Department as Red’s administrative assistant. She co-founded and co-directed with Red the Woodberry Forest Sports Camp – one of the most successful initiatives ever implemented at the school.
Widely known for growing legendary tomatoes, Cathy was also a gifted flower gardener – her home was once included on the Virginia Garden Club Tour. She often had a camera in her hands and loved sharing photographs with students, campers and their families. She was an artist behind the camera and also in the kitchen, where she cooked delicious meals for those fortunate enough to sit at her table.
In addition to her many interests and talents, she excelled as a loving and inspirational wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother-in-law. Her husband, her family and her countless friends knew her to be a rare treasure filled with love, support, wisdom and joy.
Cathy is survived by daughter Cindy Caughron Kemper and her husband, Jeffery, of Syria, Virginia; daughter Deb Follo Caughron and her husband, Michael Follo, of Asheville, North Carolina; granddaughter Michelle Mumfrey and her husband, Mario, and their daughter, Mariana Mumfrey. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Cawood “Dottie” Jessee Jones, and many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.
Other survivors include thousands of Woodberry Forest students and campers, to whom she dedicated much of her life, work and affection for over 30 years. They were always “her boys,” even decades after leaving Woodberry. In her waning years she could still recall details and stories about countless boys who had passed through the school. To them, “Mrs. C” was a beloved and unforgettable part of the color and character of Woodberry Forest School.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Red, two brothers, James Irwin “Bus” Jones and William Francis “Bill” Jones, and sister-in-law, Mary Katherine “Kitty” Dyer Jones.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 13th at 2:00pm in St. Andrew's Chapel at Woodberry Forest School.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to Woodberry Forest School, 117 Woodberry Station, Woodberry Forest, VA 22989, or to The Dogwood Village Foundation, 120 Dogwood Lane, Orange, VA 22960.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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