Lovie Catherine Stilley

Lovie Catherine Thomas Stilley, 94, a native of New Bern, NC, died Friday, May 25, 2024. She was born at home Jan. 29, 1930. A graduate of New Bern High School, Lovie was married to Levi Gray (Graham) Stilley in March 1949. They celebrated 74 years of marriage before his death July 9, 2021. Her greatest joys were her large extended family and raising her 4 sons. An avid gardener, she was also a longtime member of St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lee Roy Thomas, Sr. and Effie Gray Gaskins Thomas; her son, Gene T. Stilley and his wife Pat Polzin Stilley; her grandson, Jeremy G. Stilley; her siblings, L.R. (Pete) Thomas Jr, Gerald G. Thomas and wife Mary M. Thomas, James A, Thomas Sr., Infant Sister Joy Bell Thomas, David A. Thomas Sr.; and brother-in-law, W.C. Pate, Jr.

She is survived by sons, Richard (Cathy) Stilley of Roswell, GA, Dennis Stilley of Rockmart, GA, and Gary (Kim) Stilley of New Bern, NC; grandchildren, Allison S. (John) Barabas, Amanda S. (David) Haselden, Emily S. (Eric) Harper, Katherine E. Stilley, and granddaughter-in-law, Marie Stilley; great grandchildren, Casey Stilley, Miko Stilley, Diana Harper, Avery Roach, Bennett Haselden, Graham Roach, Jillian Stilley, Mildred Haselden, and Davis Harper; her siblings, John C. (Susan) Thomas and Shirley T. Pate, and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks for the longtime love and care of Angela Gaines and Latoya Collins and their wonderful team for Lovie’s daily care, as well as Gentiva Hospice.

The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home at 9:45 AM Saturday June 1st prior to the procession to the cemetery at 10:30 AM. Lakeside Chapel services will be 11 AM Saturday, June 1st at Greenleaf Memorial Park for those that desire to meet at the cemetery pavilion. Rev. Rex Horne will officiate.

Those desiring may make memorial donations to St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church, 314 Fleet St., New Bern, NC 28562.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Lovie Catherine Stilley.