CATHERINE MARIE KING LUTZ
Nov. 9, 1915-Jan. 31, 2011
Catherine Marie King Lutz, fondly known as Kitty, was born the only child from the union of George Francis King and Katherine Howe King in the city of Philadelphia, Pa.
Early in life, her parents moved to Tuskeegee, Ala., where her father taught journalism at Tuskeegee Institute. Serving as press secretary for the institution's president, Booker T. Washington, her father traveled with him to England, where the president was seeking funds for the institution.
Catherine's early childhood education was received on the campus of Tuskeegee Institute in a model school with funds provided by the Ford Foundation for both the school and scientific research for Dr. George W. Carver. Dr. Carver was a bachelor and a close friend of her father, spending much of his time after school at the King home. Sometimes he took Catherine by the hand, leading her on exploratory nature walks and saying to her, "Isn't God wonderful? God made that beautiful flower."
When the health of her father declined because of climatic conditions, he moved his family to Clayton, N.J. and Catherine entered school as a first-grader. She was an outstanding student through 12 grades, and won many high academic honors.
Her undergraduate and graduate degrees were earned respectively from St. Augustine's College and North Carolina Central University.
Catherine worked for 40 years in a few school systems as a French/English teacher and as a librarian. She retired from Goldsboro High School in 1977.
Her church work included playing for the Episcopal Church Sunday school in Newark, N.J., and substituting as a pianist on occasion for the adult choir.
In Southern Pines, N.C., she served as pianist for the senior choir at Southern Pines Missionary Baptist Church.
Upon moving to Goldsboro, her family joined First African Baptist Church. Catherine played for choir number one, the Sunshine Choir, the male chorus and the chancel choir.
She taught summer Bible school, and was a member of First African Baptist Church's library staff.
Catherine was a loyal and dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
She leaves to mourn her loss a devoted and loving husband of nearly 68 years, Frederick M. Lutz of the home, and a son, Frederick King Lutz of Rochester, N.Y.
A viewing will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home in Goldsboro, with the family present from 6 to 7 p.m.
A triumphant homegoing service will be held Thursday at noon at First African Baptist Church. Interment will be at Wayne Memorial Park.
Professional services are entrusted to Howell Funeral Home and Crematory, where condolences may be posted at www.howellfuneral.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 2, 2011 1:48 PM