ELKIN

Mrs. Catherine Whitener Salmons, 100, passed away Wednesday, August 08, 2018 after an extended illness.

She was born in Greenville, SC, March 25, 1918 to Luther and Lillie Gosnell Whitener.  She graduated from Walnut Cove High School where she was a basketball star. Upon her employment at Chatham Mfg. Co. she was recruited to the Blanketeers women's basketball  team. While working at Chatham she married her best friend, Hugh Glenn Salmons, April 13, 1943.  Her love of basketball and children led her to work at the Elkin YMCA and Elkin City Schools, and to direct the summer recreation program in Elkin.  She was instrumental in organizing and operating the State of NC workshop for adults with  disabilities in Elkin. She shared her creative side by teaching pottery for Surry Community College, for many years with her husband, Hugh.  Her dedication to community inspired her to volunteer as a Girl Scout Leader, PTA President, Women's Club officer, teen choir sponsor at  Elkin First Baptist Church,  and  board member of ARC of NC and of Surry-Yadkin Residential Services. At SYRS, she was instrumental in starting their first group home.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Glenn Salmons and her daughter, Carol Salmons Falls. She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Lynn Salmons and Cathy Salmons Fergen. Her grandchildren are Kenneth Falls, Jr., Amy Falls Summey, Matthew Fergen, David Hugh Fergen, Carrie Mann, Derek Mann, and Mary Catherine Mann. Her great-grandchildren are Catherine Summey, Evan Falls, Kinslee Falls, Colin Mann and Gavin Walters.

A graveside service will be conducted by Dr. Bill Johnson at 12:00 noon Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Forsyth Memorial Park, Winston Salem with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Elkin.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.jkennedyfsl.com

John Kennedy, funeral director is assisting the Salmons family with arrangements.

The family suggests that any memorials be made to Elkin First Baptist Church, 110 Gwyn Ave., Elkin, 28621 or to Mountain Valley Hospice.