Catherine Kessinger, 95, of Natural Bridge died Dec. 9

Devoted, faithful, hard-working, and, selfless, Mary Catherine Webb Kessinger’s love of God, family, and life didn’t come to an end with her death.  Catherine, as most people knew her, passed away in Lexington from an ailing heart on Dec. 9, 2023, at the age of 95. 

As Catherine grew up, her family settled not far from Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, where she attended school.  As a young girl Catherine would run through the woods after school to her home, running from what she thought were sounds from mountain lions. In the woods near Natural Bridge, she explored rocks and crevices that eventually became known as the Natural Bridge Caverns. 

She met the love of her life, Carl Harmon Kessinger Jr., in Lexington.  In 1946, they married in Natural Bridge, living in the home her father and husband built.  Around that time, she began a productive career with what most know as Burlington Industries, becoming a highly skilled burler; one who fixes defects in the woven fabrics and ensures only quality fabrics move forward.  Catherine was a long-time member of High Bridge Presbyterian Church, where she attended and served for many decades as a Sunday school teacher, an elder, and contributing member of the Women of the Church.  After 43 years of service to Burlington Industries, Catherine retired, but did not rest as she pursued many interests.

Those interests always involved the church and community she loved.  She continued serving her church in many ways long into retirement.  Yet it seems that was not enough to keep her busy.  She stayed active and enjoyed traveling when she was able.  She served AARP locally, planning many bus trips to various locations and even planned trips to Hawaii and other far-away places.  She found new ways to support her community by serving in the auxiliary at the Natural Bridge Volunteer Fire Department.  If you ever attended a cookout at the firehouse, you likely ate her famous yeast rolls, homemade coleslaw, deviled eggs, green beans, or mashed potatoes.

In all of this Catherine was always eager to get back home, and home with the Lord is where she is now. A life well-lived, making the most out of every day.

Catherine is survived by her son James A. Kessinger (Darleen B. Kessinger); grandsons Jeremy A. Kessinger (Betsy Kessinger) and Brandon M. Kessinger (Andrea Kessinger); great-grandchildren Harman A. Kessinger, Madison B. Kessinger, Jackson A. Kessinger, Sophie C. Kessinger, and Blake A. Kessinger; brother Robert A. Webb (Connie Webb); and sister Geneva Conner.

Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Carl H. Kessinger Jr.; her father, Robert W. Webb; her mother, Hassie McGrady Webb; her brother William A. Webb, and her brother Douglas E. Webb.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the visitation, which will be held at Harrison Funeral Home on Dec. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Per Catherine’s wishes a graveside ceremony will be held at High Bridge Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. followed by a reception at the church for family and friends.

Any donations on her behalf can be made to High Bridge Presbyterian Church or the Natural Bridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.