Emily “Catherine” Miller Ferree, 85, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Urbanna and raised in Middlesex County, she attended Harmony Grove Baptist Church with her family.
She married Albert “Sonny” E. Ferree Sr., in November 1960, and in 1971, they returned to Syringa (near Topping), where they raised their four children and made their lifelong home.
Catherine was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord. A lifelong member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church, she served as financial secretary for more than 40 years and participated in numerous church ministries, including vacation Bible school, the counting committee, the sleeping bag ministry and as a deacon. Her unwavering faith and willingness to serve were hallmarks of her life.
Catherine and Sonny owned and operated C&S Furniture and Upholstery Co. for many years. She also worked in the Middlesex County school cafeterias, at Montgomery Ward in Maryland, and for her father’s sand and gravel business. A hardworking woman, Catherine took great pride in her work, her family, and her community.
Family was the center of Catherine’s life. She treasured family gatherings, especially the annual Fourth of July celebration, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve traditions. She loved traveling to visit her children and extended family and rarely missed her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, school activities, birthdays, and special milestones. She also enjoyed square and round dancing with Sonny, playing softball and golf, organizing her high school class reunions, and performing in community plays and variety shows. A little-known fact is that she played the bass drum in her school band.
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 wife, Sandy, of Spring Hill, Fla.; her daughters, Deborah “Debbie” Anderson and husband, Andy, of Topping; Pamela “Pam” Major and husband, Matt, of Remlik; and Catherine Ann Miller of Kitty Hawk, N.C. She also leaves behind 10 beloved grandchildren, 15 cherished great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A funeral service is planned for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Harmony Grove Baptist Church sanctuary, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A fellowship meal will follow in the fellowship hall.
Flowers may be sent to Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Saluda. Memorial gifts may be made to Harmony Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 138, Topping, VA 23169.
