Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1920-01-16
IN MEMORIAM
An Appreciation.

Catherine Broderick O'Keeffe, dau
ghter of the late DR.. James O'Keeffe
and Mary S. Woodrum, was born
in Pearisburg, Giles Co., Va, Sept.
10th, 1868, where she lived until
1888, when her father moved to
Tazewell, and "Tall TIMBER their
home ON Clear Fork, was the scene
OF her young womanhood and her
marriage in 1883 to Robert Kay
anaugh Gillespie, a young scion of
one of Tazewell's most illustrious
families.
Endowed with natural beauty and
charm of manner she was attrac-
tive and popular wherever she NOV
ed, and these were the true indica-
tions of the wonderful character ahe
developed as the years brought re-
sponsibilities that called for the
highest qualities with which her be-
ing was entrusted.
Those people so constituted that
they never jar on others are said to
be well-balnnccd, and this was the
keynote of her character.
While she was high-minded, she
was broad-minded; tho she was high
spirited, she was tender hearted:
tho exacting to the last degree in
her lofty expectations, she possessed
a generous understanding Of human
failures. With her keen sense of ius
ticc and right thinking, came her
equally keen sense of humor and
true enjoyment. Just as she looked
we'll to the ways of her household
she was most generous to those
around her.
Above all other good traits we
may reckon her disposition to turn
the dark clouds inside out; vivacious
and cheerful she never allowed one
to pause on the gloomy side of q,
question. Laugh and the world
laughs with you" might have been
her motto, as her jolly laughter was
at once contagious and will remain
long in the memory of those who
knew her best. The writer has often
heard her say "what ever is worth
doing is worth doing we'll" and she
took great pains to do with all her
might even a small task. Her hus-
bands success recognizes her steady
head and loyal heart that led him
to port when winds seemed unfavora-
BILE. ~
From host of Madonna faces
there could not be found an express
ness and comprehensive love that
radiatcd on her .countenace when be-
holding little child. The Angel of
Life visited the earth eleven times to
leave in her arms spark Of Divi-
nifty to be nurtured and moulded by
her into q life of noble purpose for
the Creator.
To say she was n devoted mother
is not enough; she considered love
and devotion her portion while the
duty she owed her children to make
of them men and women, ready to
serve their country and their fellow
man, was the crowning object of her
untiring energy. Two infants have
been shedding heavenly light
around her quiet hours and raising
her hopes of the brighter world.
No more fitting monument could
there be to this beautiful life than
the wonderful family she has left.
Each one Of them is gifted with
strong personality, intent on attain
ing the best to the honor of their
home fire-side around which the
memory of saintcd mother will al
ways call forth deeds Of kindness
and bravery; of chivalry and mercy;
of effectionatc devotion to life's high
est ideals, knowing that her spirit
is with them to uplift and guide them
through life.
"She is not dead whose noble mind
. Lifts ours on high;
10 live in hearts we leave behind,
Is not to die" K.
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