Cathern Vess

On the morning of Monday, February 01, 2021, Cathern Stockton Vess, age 76, of the Pleasant Gardens Community, departed to be with the Lord where she was welcomed with open arms by her two precious granddaughters, Caroline Hensley Wheeler and Megan Denise Vess.  Cathern loved nothing more than spending time with her family, and in fact, her family was there with her during her final journey.  The daughter of the late Sam and Florence Hollifield Stockton, she was born on January 10, 1945 in McDowell County, North Carolina. 

A devout God-fearing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Cathern was affectionally known to many has “Nana”.  Having been a homemaker, she loved working in her garden, canning, tending to her flowers, watching outdoor birds, but most of all, making precious memories with her family.  Although Nana will be missed by many, she will always remain in our hearts. 

Left to cherish her precious memories are her loving husband of 57 years, Wayne Vess of the home; seven children, Donna Hensley (Eric) of Afton, Tennessee, Terry Vess (Dianne) of Bakersville, North Carolina, Tim Vess (Heather) of Marion, North Carolina, Josh Vess (Beth) of Marion, North Carolina, Michael Vess (Sarah) of Green Mountain, North Carolina, Randall Vess (Amber) of Marion, North Carolina and Mary Weaver (Scotty) of Marion, North Carolina; and four siblings, Jean Presnell, Jim Stockton, Linda Boone and Faye Cuthbertson.  Cathern is also survived by twenty-five grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 04, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Vess Family Cemetery next to Refuge Baptist Church on Clear Creek Road in Marion.  The family will have a gathering of family and friends on Thursday, February 04, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Refuge Baptist Church.   

The family of Mrs. Vess wishes to express their deep appreciation and sincere thank you to the staff of CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell and to Hospice nurse, Nick Favorites for the amazing care they provided Cathern and her family during her final days.