Catherine Miller Ferree

Emily “Catherine” Miller Ferree, age 85, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on October 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Urbanna, Virginia to Archie Lee Miller, Sr. and Agnes Brown Miller, Catherine was raised in Middlesex County and grew up attending Harmony Grove Baptist Church with her parents and siblings. She married Albert “Sonny” E. Ferree, Sr., in November 1960 and in 1971, they returned to Syringa, now Topping, with their four young children, where they made their home and raised their family.

Catherine was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a faithful servant of the Lord. A lifelong member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church, she dedicated more than 40 years as the church’s Financial Secretary, faithfully recording weekly contributions and maintaining accurate records for the congregation. Her commitment to her church extended far beyond this important responsibility. She served on the counting committee, participated in Vacation Bible School, the sleeping bag ministry, kitchen team, after-school programs, bell choir, Christmas pageants, and as a deacon. Catherine gave generously her time and talents, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She took great joy in serving her church family and treasured the fellowship and friendships she found there.

Catherine and Sonny owned and operated an upholstery business (C & S Furniture and Upholstery Co.) for many years, sharing their skills and craftsmanship with the community. Their talents also benefited Harmony Grove, where Catherine helped make the cushions for the sanctuary pews, choir chairs, and pulpit chairs. Throughout her life, she worked in the Middlesex County school cafeterias, at Montgomery Ward in Maryland, and drove a dump truck delivering sand and topsoil for her father's sand and gravel business (Archie Miller Pit). Catherine was a hardworking woman who took pride in her work and in providing for her family.

Family was the center of Catherine’s life, and she treasured the traditions and gatherings that brought everyone together. She especially loved the annual Fourth of July celebration at the home of her sister, Ann, and brother-in-law, Rudy Waters, Thanksgiving at the family home where she raised her children, and Christmas Eve surrounded by those she loved. She delighted in traveling to visit her children and extended family, whether in Florida, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or Maryland. She spent countless hours attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, dance, volleyball, swimming, and other sporting events, as well as school activities birthdays, graduations, and family celebrations. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being present for the milestones and everyday moments of her growing family.

Catherine enjoyed a variety of activities throughout her life. She and Sonny loved square dancing and round dancing together with the Stepping Stones Square Dance Club, and she enjoyed playing softball and golf. She also took great pride in organizing her high school class reunions over the years, remaining connected with classmates and friends. A little known fact is that Catherine played the base drum for her school band. She also performed in several plays, musicals, and variety shows at the Freeshade Community Center in Syringa along with her mother and her daughters. Her warmth, dedication, and love of family and friends touched the lives of many.

Above all, Catherine was grateful for the many blessings in her life. She often shared, “The Lord has blessed me so much!” Her favorite hymn was “In the Garden,” a reflection of the faith that guided her throughout her life. The words of her favorite Bible verse, Acts 16:31, were especially meaningful to her: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Her unwavering faith, generous spirit, and devotion to her family and church will remain a lasting legacy to all who knew and loved her.

Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Albert “Sonny” E. Ferree, Sr.; her parents, Archie Lee Miller, Sr. and Agnes Brown Miller; her brother, A.L. Miller, Jr.; her sisters, Shirley Miller Apsley and Ann Marie Waters; her granddaughter, Jennifer Major; and her great-grandson, Laken Anderson.

She is survived by her son, Albert “Al” E. Ferree, Jr., and his wife, Sandy, of Spring Hill, Florida; her daughters, Deborah “Debbie” Anderson, and her husband, Andy, of Topping, Virginia; Pamela “Pam” Major, and her husband, Matt, of Remlik, Virginia; and Catherine Ann Miller of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. She also leaves behind her ten beloved grandchildren, Lorie LeeAnn, Bradley, Kassie (Brandon), Gena, Ryan (Brandy), Daniel (Heidi), Jessica (Alex), Rob (Carly), Chris, and Camryn (Geo); fifteen cherished great-grandchildren, David, Leighton, Thayer, Braelynn, Jillian, Natalee, Marilyn, Piper, Blakelee, Emma, Mikey, Charlotte, Christian, Nicholas, and Johnathan; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Harmony Grove Baptist Church Sanctuary, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and a fellowship meal immediately following the burial service in the Fellowship Hall.

Flowers may be sent to Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Saluda, Virginia and any memorial gifts may be made out to Harmony Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 138, Topping, VA 23169.

Catherine’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, service, and love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured, the church she faithfully served, and the countless lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with Sonny and her loved ones in the presence of her Lord and Savior.