Katherine Parker Dodgens, age 83, of Burgaw died Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Pender Memorial Hospital.

She was born June 8, 1925 in Gastonia, the daughter of the late LeRoy and Bertha Denton Parker. She was also predeceased by her son, Clarence E. Dodgens, Jr. and sisters, Mildred Galloway, Gladys Fowler and Pearl Butler.

Surviving are her devoted and loving husband, Dr. Clarence E. Dodgens and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Dodgens attended NC Public Schools and Gardner Webb College. On January 23, 1943 Katherine and Clarence were married and Katherine dedicated her life to becoming an excellent homemaker. During WW II she worked for a brief period in Textiles.

Katherine has been active in Baptist Church life, teaching in Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday schools, and other training activities. Her major interest was the extension work of Burgaw Baptist Church. This focused on visitation and distribution of church literature to those who were "shut-in" and could not attend church services. She chaired this work for many years. She also gave strong support to her husband of sixty-six years in his work with Baptist Churches and in his other professional activities.

Her other interest include traveling (to 48 of the U.S. states), reading, collecting items to decorate their home, raising plants and a great love of nature. Katherine's pleasant attitude and love for others brought her many friends who will certainly miss her.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Dr. Wayne Dyer officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

A graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Edgewood Cemetery, Lowell, NC, with The Rev. Dr. David Irish officiating.

Memorial gifts may be given to Burgaw Baptist Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 385, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to Baptist Children's Home, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.