Paris Louise Bourne Catron, age 89, of Independence, Virginia, the Pine Mountain Community, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on February 1, 2022.  She was born on October 4, 1932 and was the last surviving of fourteen children born to William and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Burris Bourne.   In addition to her parents and her brothers and sisters, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph R. Catron, Sr. and a great granddaughter, Payton Brown.

Paris will be remembered as one who enjoyed life.  She always find time to gather with her family and friends.  She enjoyed attending decoration services where she could honor her loved ones.  Music was a huge part of her life growing up.  Her father, being a Pentecostal holiness preacher always had his children involved in church and music.  Paris and her sisters were part of a quartet, The Singing Jubilees, who traveled in many states sharing the gospel in music.  Their blue-grass gospel music had their own unique style and blessed many.  Paris loved gardening; all her life she canned and preserved food for her family.  Even though she spent many hours in the sewing factories, there was always time for canning and gardening.  Growing up during the depression era she had been taught a frugal way of life. However, she was most willing to share jams and jellies. A visit with Paris meant you were going to leave with something!  She will be remembered for her great sense of humor.  You were not going to be in her presence long until you were going to laugh. Folks, (mostly her children) would play tricks on her, but Paris always had the last laugh.

A few experiences that Paris viewed as highlights of her life included standing on the stage at the original Ryman Auditorium, visiting the Kennedy graveside and the eternal flame, and along with her sister, Willie Mae, they proudly attended the the graduation of Paris' grandson from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where they considered themselves high ranking dignitaries.   Paris was a grandmother who was always up for an adventure with her grandchildren.  She might be found wading in the creek baptizing each other in a cold mountain stream, on sleigh riding down the hills at 70 years old.

Left to cherish her memory is one daughter, JoAnn Odum of Independence; two sons, Ralph Catron, Jr. (Becky) and Bobby Catron (Gail) all of Independence; six grandchildren, Faren and Angie Cole, Sarah and Cullen Reeves, Denise Brown, Dana and Dean Billings, Chris and Erin Catron, and Amber Catron; ten great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a special family friend, Fred Arnold Hash.

Funeral services to honor Paris' life will be conducted on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 2:00 at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with the Bro. Argil Roberts and Pastor Richard Collins officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the Hackler Cemetery in the Pine Mountain Community.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice 1477 Carrolton Pike Hillsville, VA 24343.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Catron family.