I've been searching for this obituary ever since I heard that Cathy had left us. I went into the hospital for a minor stroke the day she went to be with the Lord. Rest in Peace, Cathy. You will always be in our hearts, sweetheart...
Catherine Varee Noel Ellsworth, 72, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully November 11, 2019, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Services will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Greenville, Mississippi, November 23, at 2:00, with visitation beginning an hour before services and a reception to follow at the church. Officiants will include Rev. Anita Pringle, Father Brandt Dick, and LauraSirianii.
Cathy was born in Greenville, Mississippi, on July 25, 1947, to Sue and Klein Noel. A 1965 graduate of Greenville High School, Cathy had contracted polio at an early age and spent some of her high school years in Warm Springs, Georgia. This disability certainly did not define her, as she led a fulfilling life of success and adventure. Her family, friends, and students admired her courage, wit, and determination and cherished being a part of Cathy's life.
An accomplished educator, Cathy studied English at the University of South Florida and began her teaching career at Winona Public School District, where she taught English, French, humanities, speech, debate, and drama for 27 years. In conjunction with the Mississippi Community College Foundation, she directed an alternate-route certification program for aspiring teachers. Cathy retired from Winona Public Schools in 2009 and soon moved to Vero Beach, Florida. There she continued her love of education by serving as adjunct professor at Indian River State College and teaching English as a Second Language.
Cathy had an expansive love for people and a unique gift of seeing potential in everyone. She was a fierce defender of justice and equality for all. Former students considered themselves fortunate to be where she was sitting in the classroom, planning a field trip to a university library, defending a controversial idea, performing on stage for the first time, participating in Quiz Bowl, traveling to Europe, or sharing a laugh on her front porch. The successes and achievements of these students testify to the inspiration of this gifted instructor. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Cathy is survived by her son, Charles Ellsworth, and daughter-in-law, Susan Goslee, of Pocatello, Idaho, and Charles' father, Tom Ellsworth, of Vero Beach, Florida. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sue Johnson Noel Davis Sarason; her mother's husbands, Klein Noel, Leon Davis, and Ken Sarason; and her beloved brother, Dan Noel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services.
Mortimer Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
To send flowers to the family of Catherine Varee Noel Ellsworth, please visit our Tribute Store.
Robert Wylie
I've been searching for this obituary ever since I heard that Cathy had left us. I went into the hospital for a minor stroke the day she went to be with the Lord. Rest in Peace, Cathy. You will always be in our hearts, sweetheart...
Catherine Varee Noel Ellsworth
Mortimer Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.