Catherine Louise Kelly

Catherine Louise Morse was born on March 30, 1931 in Prince George’s County, Maryland to the late Charley Morse and Alberta Brooks. The oldest of four children, she was a thoughtful, caring daughter and sibling who loved her sisters dearly. Catherine lived a rich, full life in Washington, DC, caring for her family and friends and her special companions, Mann and Coby.

As a child, Catherine received her education in the Prince George’s County Public Schools. She had a strong work ethic from a very early age. In fact, when she was just 14 years old, she started working, doing whatever jobs she could. In her early 20s, Catherine received her license in cosmetology and became a barber. Shortly thereafter, she went into business for herself, becoming the proprietor and owner of Catherine’s Barber Shop, which she ran for almost 65 years, first in two storefront shop locations and later from the basement of her home. Catherine enjoyed a very loyal clientele who knew she could be trusted to always having them looking their best.

On December 25, 1958, Catherine married James Kenneth Kelly. While no children were born from the union, Catherine was a loving mother figure to countless nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and children throughout her neighborhood. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She was very stylish and always paid great attention to her appearance, though never in a proud or haughty way. Catherine enjoyed helping others find their style as well. In addition to being a master barber, she was also a skilled seamstress. Her repertoire consisted of all manner of clothing items, including hats, dresses, and scarves.

Catherine LOVED to entertain. She was an amazing woman with an incredible zest for life and all that it had to offer. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Her home was often filled with the sounds of music and the smell of the delicious food she prepared. Countless tastebuds were blessed to have had her delectable pineapple punchbowl or corn bread cakes pass by on the way to their very happy stomachs. Others enjoyed her chitterlings, potato salad, deviled eggs and greens.

Throughout her youth, Catherine practiced Catholicism but later in life embraced Christianity. During any visit to her home, or even in the nursing home, you were greeted with the sounds of Music Choice’s Gospel station. The hymns and songs of praise gave her great peace. In 2021, as the dementia progressed and her memory waned, Catherine renewed her covenant with the Lord, praying a prayer of salvation with her nephew, Warren. Praise God for giving Catherine a mind to make her calling and election sure!

After many years defying the odds and the ravages of dementia, Catherine peacefully transitioned from this life on February 17, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charley Morse and Alberta Brooks; her sisters Irene Geraldine Boone, Pearl Diggs, and Rosie Ella Barnett; and her nieces Cynthia Woodrow and Debbra Wills. She is survived by her brother-in-law, William Diggs, Sr., nephews Joseph Ford, Jr., William Diggs, Jr., Syrelius Barnett (Tanya), Sherwood Gray (Garnita), Michael Wills, Welvin Jerome Wills (Cassandra), and Warren Wills; nieces Denise Garrett, Maria Newman, and Matilda Barnett Lucas; and a host of great nieces, nephews and friends. Catherine was especially grateful to her thoughtful, patient, and faithful nephew, Warren, who was a caregiver second to none.