Catherine Parker Dillingham was born on February 1, 1932, to the late Carl B. Parker and Sally Hooper Parker. She was the third child of five, preceded in death by her siblings Carl Parker Jr., Joyce Parker Dawson, Bill Parker, and Jean Parker Taylor, as well as her son Mark Dillingham.
Catherine is survived by her sons, Philip Dillingham and his wife, Connie, Craig Dillingham and his wife, Trecia; and her daughter, Carol Phillips and her husband, Greg, along with 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Catherine's journey began in Nashville, Tennessee, where she attended high school at Hume Fogg, graduating in the class of 1950. She embarked on a career at Commerce Union Bank from 1950 to 1957, demonstrating dedication and skill in her work.
On June 9, 1951, Catherine exchanged vows with the love of her life, Paul Martin Dillingham. Together, they embarked on a life filled with love, adventure, and shared dreams. Their bond took them to West Africa from 1965 to 1967, where they embraced new experiences and forged lasting memories with their three young sons.
Paul dedicated 27 years of service to Metro Schools before the couple embarked on a new chapter together. They ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, opening Belmont Antiques on Belmont Blvd. These were cherished years for Catherine, working side by side with her beloved children, creating not only a thriving business but also unforgettable family moments.
On March 2016, Catherine bid farewell to her cherished husband, Paul, after 64 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they exemplified the true meaning of love and devotion, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing them. Theirs was a union built on a foundation of faith, with an unwavering love for their Creator.
In reflecting on her life, one cannot help but recall the Wisdom of Solomon as recorded in Ecclesiastes Chapter 7, Verse 1 "A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth." Catherine's legacy is indeed a testament to a life well-lived, marked by kindness, grace, and unwavering faith.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Woodlawn Roesch Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. The service will be held the next day at 10:30 AM at Woodlawn Roesch Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park, with visitation held one hour prior.
In Lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to Hand of Hope Ministries in Ethiopia and Kenya.
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