Catherine Flagler McClain

Catherine Flagler McClain passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, October 2, 2010. She was 99 years old. Known for her kind and colorful personality, she was a generous civic supporter and volunteer. She was born Catherine Schley Flagler on May 21, 1911 in Atlanta to the late Martha Catherine Woodward, of Atlanta, and Thomas Thorne Flagler of Lockport, New York. She was the widow of the late William Asbury McClain, originally from Sweetwater, Tennessee. They were married for sixty years and raised three children; Martha Catherine (“Kitty”) McClain Hand, Ann Lynn McClain (both deceased) and William A. McClain III. Catherine was a very early student of Mrs. Eva Edwards Lovett, later graduating from Washington Seminary and attending Columbia Journalism School. She was a member of the Atlanta Debutante Club, the Atlanta Junior League, the Boxwood Garden Club, the Atlanta Dahlia Society and the Piedmont Driving Club. She was a longtime member of the Cathedral of St. Philip and served for many years as a very active member and officer of the Daughters of the King. She was the longtime volunteer manager of the Cathedral Bookstore during its early years, expanding its range of titles and helping to foster its growth into the substantial operation it is today. She was an avid and proficient gardener and for many years raised and showed prize dahlias with her husband. From a very early age, she was a devoted sports fan, particularly loyal to Georgia Tech, earning the nickname of “Coach” from her children’s contemporaries. Catherine is survived by her son, William A. McClain III of Atlanta, and his wife, Rose. She is also survived by her six grandchildren; William A. McClain IV, Robert Douglas Hand III, Thomas Edward McClain, Catherine Hand Johnson, Timothy Gerard McClain and Christopher Lynn McClain. A memorial service will be held in the Mikell Chapel of the Cathedral of St. Philip on Wednesday, the sixth of October at two o’clock in the afternoon with a graveside service immediately following in the Chapel Garden. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Gould Room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Reflections Ministries (www.kenboa.org). Arrangements under the direction of H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill in Atlanta, GA.