Catherine Jane Womack

Catherine Jane Womack, 65, of Charlottesville passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Martha Jefferson Hospital. Born August 3, 1950 in Montgomery, Alabama she was a daughter of the late Ollie Edward and James Wilma Lamberth Estes. In addition to her parents, Cathy was predeceased by her brother Steve Estes and sister Jenny Estes Wadsworth. Cathy is survived by her husband of 46 years Dennis Womack; her sister, Molly Estes Fulford and her husband Russell of Jackson, Alabama; her sister-in-law, Cynthia Hamrick; several nieces and nephews and a host of other close friends that will dearly miss her. Cathy was a native of Wetumpka, Alabama and received her undergraduate degree with Honors in 1970 from Auburn University. She later received a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama and in 1981, a JD from the University of Virginia. Cathy started her career at a predecessor firm to Feil, Pettit, & Williams in 1979 as a summer and part-time law clerk. After law school graduation in 1981, she began a general practice of law with that firm, ultimately becoming a partner, focusing her practice on residential and commercial real estate matters. In 2014, after the law firm merger, Cathy became a partner at Lenhart and Pettit, where she practiced law until her death. Her clients were always well served by Cathy’s personal touch, her caring nature, her warm personality, and her expertise. In addition to her full time practice of law, Cathy’s interests tended toward reading, fitness, and travel to her favorite destinations: France and Italy. She will be incredibly missed by all who knew her. Cathy was a member of the Virginia Bar Association and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Charlottesville. Cathy’s family would like to express their sincere and most heartfelt gratitude to Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, the staff at Martha Jefferson Hospital, as well as Chaplain Suzanne Hilton Smith who dedicated her time and love to Cathy’s family. Cathy’s sister Reverend Molly Fulford will officiate. Pallbearers are: Gary Fewell, Lynn Miller, Tom Sherman, Scott Gines, Gary Stovall, and Jimmy Graves. Honorary pallbearers include James "Monk" Bingler, Dr. Joe May, Reuben Montoya, Sam Beale, Steve Heon, and her friends at the Lenhart and Pettit Law Firm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cathy’s name to the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, 1265 Crozet Ave, Crozet, VA 22932 or to a charity of your choice.