Cathern Louella Smith's Obituary
Cathy Lou Smith, age 85, went to heaven on 8/16/2025 at Culpeper Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born July 29, 1940, in the historical Bushy Park farmhouse, a Civil War field hospital in Catharpin, VA, to Rev. C.M. “Kin” and Anna (Keene) McGlothlin.
She worked at the Pentagon for 20 years. When she retired, Cathy was an administrative assistant to General Harry Griffith, Director of Defense Nuclear Agency. She received the Agency’s highest award, the Exceptional Civilian Service Medal.
After retiring, regardless of her medical condition, she strived to serve her community. Cathy wrote community news in local newspapers. She loved to photograph nature and make pottery. In 2000, she received the Culpeper Colonel award.
Lou is survived by her husband of 67 years, Carrington, and two daughters, Lisa Stuart and Teresa Jones, both of Culpeper. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, as well as a brother in Kansas, six sisters locally, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kin and Anna McGlothlin, and siblings Peggy Schloe, Sylvia Taylor, and Carlice McGlothlin.
A wake will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Found and Sons Chapel of Culpeper, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper. A funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. on August 21, 2025, in the funeral home chapel, followed by burial at Stonewall Memory Gardens, Manassas, VA. Family and friends are invited to meet after the burial at the Culpeper American Legion Post 330, 14222 Rixeyville Rd, Culpeper, VA, to share a meal and memories of all the wonderful times we’ve all shared with her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite wildlife organization.
Your love and legacy will be forever etched in our hearts. We will miss you dearly.
What’s your fondest memory of Cathern?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cathern?
Share a story where Cathern's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cathern you’ll never forget.
How did Cathern make you smile?