Catherine Philyaw North went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the age of 94. She was born in Jones County on July 25, 1930, to the late John David Philyaw and Lydia Cottle Philyaw. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, Joseph Linwood North Sr; and her siblings, Bertie Mae Midyette, Wilford Philyaw, Raymond Philyaw, Bobby Philyaw and Margaret Louis Philyaw.

She is survived by her two children, Jo Ann North Clark (David) of Rocky Mount and Joseph Linwood North, Jr (Francina "Kay")  of Jacksonville; two sisters, Alma Lee Mitchell of Havelock and Carolyn Millinder of Maysville; three grandchildren, Heather Hines Todd (Joe) of Elm City, Courtney Hines Cunningham (Ryan) of Lexington and Robin Jefferies Webb (Ted) of Jacksonville, NC; six great-grandchildren, Jacob Todd, Abigail Cunningham, Lydia Cunningham, RJ Cunningham, Ryan Webb (Nicole), and Hannah Webb; and one great-great-grandchild, Riley Webb.

Catherine was active in her church for many years singing in the choir, leading GAs and teaching Sunday School. She served as the first secretary of the New River Baptist Association. In her early working years, she was a beautician and ran her own beauty shop in her home. Later, she was a demonstrator for Princess House Crystal and she and her husband enjoyed many trips that she earned. She also worked as a bookkeeper, receptionist and substitute teacher. Catherine loved baseball. She could always find a baseball game to watch on television, in season or replays of classic games. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of sleepovers at grandmas playing Kings Corner and Phase 10 card games with the baseball game in the background. She had a dream of visiting every MLB stadium, and successfully made it to 13. She was an avid reader of murder mystery and romance novels and a beautiful hand quilter. Her greatest roles, however, were Wife, Mom, Grandma and Nana. She loved her family deeply and was so very proud of all of their accomplishments, bragging to everyone she met. She doted on each of her grandchildren, great-children and great-great grandchildren. When possible, she was always present at band and choral concerts, school plays and programs, ball games, grand-parent's days, birthday parties, and other special events. She loved shopping, taking her great-grandchildren to Chuck E. Cheese, throwing the baseball in the front yard and eating at Tony's Pizza. She will be deeply missed.

A service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February, 22, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home, 303 Chaney Ave., Jacksonville, NC 28540 with Pastor Blake Sorie officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation , 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or online at lifecare.org.