Helen Cathon Neal Marshall

Helen Cathon Neal Marshall died peacefully, cradled in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the age of 97. Cathon was living at the Dunlop House, in Colonial Heights, at the time of her death.

Born and raised in Danville, Virginia, Cathon is the daughter of the late William Talbot Neal and Helen Banks Powell Neal.

There are so many memories, and upon reflection, Cathon once shared that while growing up, her favorite childhood pastime was playing with her paper dolls for hours. She grew up in Danville, Virginia, but spent much of her early years on her Uncle Carter's dairy farm.

Cathon had a beautiful voice, and her mother worked hard to provide her with the necessary piano lessons. Music was always a part of her life from the Glee Club in high school to the church choir. Cathon performed in the stage production of The King and I, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She also sang with the Richmond Opera Chorus. Her most favored opera was La traviata.

Cathon and her husband, Marsh, raised two wonderful daughters while living in Richmond, Virginia, for twenty-seven years. After their divorce, Cathon began a new career with EZ Communications, which led to her move to Washington D.C., where she lived for many years before retiring to live in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Bill Davis became a part of her life until his untimely death. They traveled to Europe many times over the course of their relationship. Their favorite place to vacation was the French Riviera.

Cathon loved being "Nana" to her grandchildren, Jonathan (wife, Annie), Cathon (husband, Eric), Marshall (husband, Dave), and Augusta. She also adored her great-grandchildren, Abby, Brooklyn, Claire, and Carter.

In addition to her parents, Cathon was predeceased by her beloved brother, William Talbot Neal (late wife, Val); and former husband, Marsh Montague Marshall (wife, Betty).

Cathon is survived by her daughters, Julia Cathon Marshall Ellis (husband, David), of Hopewell, VA, and Janice Marshall-Pittman (husband, Fred), of Norfolk, VA; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nephew, Robert "Bobby" Neal (wife Mary Taylor); Wesley United Methodist Church; long-time friends; and certainly all of her Dunlop House neighbors and staff.

A mother and her children's lives are interwoven forever. To the sky and back Mom, Cathon, and Nana, we will forever remember your love of family and generosity to those who had the good fortune of having you in their lives. The world has lost an amazing woman, one with a vivacious personality who was truly a beautiful person.

Visitation for family and friends will take place at Wesley United Methodist Church, in Hopewell, Virginia, on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 11:00am to 12:00pm, with a celebration of life for Cathon to immediately follow. Interment will be private and take place at Westhampton Memorial Park.