Cathryn "Cathy" Miller Smith Thompson
Cathryn “Cathy” Miller Smith Thompson, 73, passed away on August 14, 2021. Cathy was born June 30, 1948, in Hatcher, West Virginia and spent most of her life in Elliston and Salem, Virginia. She graduated from Alleghany District High School and had a varied career in manufacturing in the Roanoke Valley.
She was preceded in death by her father, Isaac E. Miller, Jr., her sister, Carolyn Miller Ratliff (Tommy, deceased), nephew, Nicholas Miller and many beloved grand pets.
She is survived by her three daughters, Shannon Denene Smith Hannon (Peter Hannon), Stacie Lynne Smith (Justin Carter), and Ashley Marie Thompson (Tom Moore), grandchild Piper Moore, and four-legged, fur grandchildren, Pearl, Madison, Marty, Denali, and Lu. Also surviving are her mother, Janovee Cook Miller, brothers, Dewey Miller (Sharlene), Isaac Miller III “Bud” (Wilma, deceased), Jimmy Miller (Cindy), and Ronnie Miller (Amy), and sister Charlotte Miller Paitsel (Larry) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cathy was stricken by dementia in her final years, so there are many friends that she also held dear, with whom she lost touch.
Cathy was a member of Gospel Baptist Church, Salem VA for nearly 50 years, where she was a Sunday School teacher, van driver, and a constant witness for her Lord. Her faith and her children were her reasons for getting up every morning. She was a strong, independent, single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children. With her big, beautiful eyes, she was known to flirt for discounts at Jiffy Lube and any establishment where it might work. She had a heart of gold and actually loved everyone. Cathy was silly, had a great sense of humor, and even laughed at Peter’s dad jokes. She enjoyed painting in her later years and sold one work to another resident at her retirement community, officially making her a professional artist. Above all she showed her love through her cooking. She always made too much and thank heavens there were always leftovers. Everyone remembers some of the favorites: macaroni and cheese, coconut cake, lasagna, red velvet cake and cheesy potatoes, and no one could resist her Christmas “weenies” or fudge. Just the thought of her food would make your mouth water and your tummy sing a tune of delight. Make sure you wear your stretchy pants and bring your own container or be willing to sign a loan agreement for the “Lock N Lock” TM plastic containers.
Special thanks to the entire staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and especially, Deanna, day shift nursing assistant on 9 South PCU.
Memorial service to be held Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at 10:00 am at Gospel Baptist Church, Salem, Virginia with Sam Huntley officiating. The family will welcome friends that same evening from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home, Salem, Virginia.
The family requests that all guests wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, to both events.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Cathy’s honor to the Alzheimer Association or the Dementia Society of America.
