Catherine Whitaker, age 96, of Forest City, NC, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills.

Catherine was a native of Surry County, NC, and she was the daughter of the late Gratis Rudolph Cave and the late Nina Poteat Cave. In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her son, John D. Covington Jr., and her siblings.

Catherine is survived by her nephew, Danny Martin and his wife Lisa, and her caregiver for over 30 years, Patricia Ann Fowler.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at McMahan's Funeral Home. Interment will be private at Sandy Level Baptist Church Cemetery. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.