Catherine Newell

Catherine “Kitty” Waters Newell, 77, passed away peacefully Friday May 4, 2018 surrounded by the love of her family.      She was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on September 14, 1940 at her grandmother’s house. She was the second daughter of the late Virgil and Lois Smoak Waters.      She was married to James L. Newell (Jim), who died on December 27, 1994. They were happily married and moved to Danville in 1956. Together they raised three sons, Dan, Joe and David. Through the years Kitty devoted herself to supporting Jim and the boys’ many athletic activities. She was an active long time member of GW Football Fan Club.       Kitty retired from Danville Parks and Recreation for which she served as Director of the senior citizen center and the director of Coates recreation center. Over the years with Parks and Rec, she helped organize many events, including Festival in the Park and Harvest Jubilee. She served as manager and board member of Cabin Creek.  She also served as an aid to Delegate Whitt Clement in Richmond. Kitty was also well known for her sewing passion. She touched many lives as a seamstress and sewing teacher throughout her life. Kitty was an active member of Crosspoint Church and the Bible Study Fellowship.      In addition, she devoted her time, energy, and love to her children and her grandchildren. Kitty leaves behind her three children, Dan Newell, Joe Newell, and David Newell and her daughters-in-law Sam, Mishael, and Amy. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Kate, Mac, and Faith, Josiah and Elijah, Dawson and Logan.      Kitty is also survived by her sisters Joan Haring of Springfield, VA, and Virgie Waters of Bradenton, FL. She was predeceased by her other sister, Nell Chimes of Boca Raton, FL. She also leaves behind numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews, including Terri Newell and Susan and Frank Davis of Danville, VA. Kitty devoted herself to sharing her love with all of her family members. She had a loving and forgiving spirit and cared about all people, something she drew from her strong Christian faith.      Visitation and viewing will be at Townes Funeral Home on Tuesday May 8 from 7-8:30 pm. The family will have a private graveside service on Wednesday followed by a Celebration of Life at Crosspoint Church beginning at 5 pm. All of her friends and family are invited to attend. If you are interested in sharing a memory of Kitty at the Celebration of Life, please contact Joe Newell.      The family will receive friends and family at the home of Dan and Sam Newell, 328 London Bridge Drive, Danville, VA 24541. For those wishing to give gifts in memory of Kitty, we are receiving donations towards Reaching A Generation, a nonprofit in South Africa that Kitty both physically and financially supported.