Kate Litton

MARION, VIRGINIA: KATE REBECCA FISHER LITTON, age 93, died Saturday, May 5, 2007 in Guggenhiemer Nursing Home, Lynchburg, Virginia. She was born in Marion, Virginia on May 18, 1923 to the late John Keener and Josephine Gillespie Fisher. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Lee Litton, retired State Farm agent of Marion; brothers, Graham and John Fisher, co-proprietors of Fisher's Jewelers in Marion; and her only son, John Richard Litton Sr., who died suddenly in 2000. Kate is survived by one granddaughter, Allison Litton Carner and husband, Troy of Forest, Virginia; one grandson, John Richard Litton Jr. and wife, Renee of Summerville, South Carolina; one daughter-in-law, Polly Litton of Lynchburg, Virginia; and four great-grandchildren, Bradley and Ashley Carner and Jacob and Samuel Litton. Until recent years, she lived out her life in her beloved Marion. Her family founded Fisher's Jewelers on Main Street in Marion in 1899, and Kate began working there at age 14, during her summer vacations. After the death of her parents, she and her two younger brothers operated the store until the late 1970s. For half a century, Kate generously and graciously shared her tasteful suggestions and lovely manner with the people of Marion and Smyth County, who trusted and respected her help with everything from charm bracelets to wedding patterns. Kate was the first in her family to attend college and received her degree from Marion College. She developed a passion for art and enjoyed painting and gardening. Many of her landscape paintings still hang in homes and businesses in the Marion area. The roses she planted as a young woman continue to thrive at her family's home place on Cherry Street in Marion. Kate was a committed Christian her entire adult life. She regularly attended Sunday and Wednesday services at Marion Gospel Chapel, which she and her family had been instrumental in founding. She married Clarence Lee Litton in January 1937, and together they traveled the world, enjoying many trips to the western regions of the United States, as well as to Germany, Paris, Spain, Hawaii, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Puerto Rico, Italy, and many other destinations. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Dan Manly and Mr. Larry Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday afternoon. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 605 Clay Street, Lynchburg, VA 24502; and Gideons Bible, P.O. Box 4723, Lynchburg, VA 24502. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Litton Family.