CATHERINE NEEDAM
CATHERINE NEEDAM, daughter of the late Alonzo Dix, Sr. and Virgie White, was born on July 10, 1929 in Hopeton, Virginia. She peacefully entered the Kingdom of Heaven on March 24, 2015 as she was surrounded by her devoted husband, children and grandchildren, as well as her pastor and his wife.
Catherine was lovingly nicknamed “Snooks” and attended public school in Accomack County, Virginia. On November 8, 1952, she married her childhood sweetheart, Melvin L. Needam. God blessed their marriage with a healthy son, Larry Needam (Grace); and four beautiful daughters, Valeria Davis (John), Dorothy Thompson (Clinton), Angela Doane, and Penny Torry (Lee). She also had a very special daughter, Patricia Needam, who always called her “mom”, and although deceased, Charles Warner, who was like a son to her.
Catherine obtained work with the Accomack County Health Department as a Nurse’s Aide. Years later, she became a seamstress at R&G Shirt Factory in Parksley, Virginia. After many years as a seamstress, she accepted a position with the Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging in Onancock, Virginia, where she worked until retiring.
Known as someone who loved to help and encourage others, Catherine became a faithful member of Metompkin Baptist Church under the Pastorate and leadership of Rev. J.C. Bonds. She became active in the church ministry and served on the Usher Board, sang with the Leroy Mapp Singers, and helped to renovate the kitchen facilities of the church and took an active part in the Women in Action Ministry.
God has richly blessed her life with 7 grandchildren– Anthony, Lynette, RB, Melanie, Rakeeia, Anika and LeAnn; 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, 4 step-grandchildren, and 1 brother Alfonso Dix (Angela). In addition, he blessed her with 3 sisters-in-law– Bessie Wharton (Luther), Betty Dix, and Deborah Dix. She was preceded in death by her deceased brothers – Alonzo (Bud) Dix, Edward Dix, Eugene (Gene) White, Myron (Beetle) Dix, Jerome Dix, and sister, Dorothy Dix.
In her nearly 86 years of life, Catherine fought a good fight, ran the race, reached the finish line and is now resting in the Kingdom of Heaven.
