Katherine Dismuke Rhue

Katherine Dismuke Rhue departed this life to be with the Lord on March 12, 2021.  Born in Burlington, NC to William M. “Bill” and Dollie Mae Dismuke, Katherine has lived in Mebane for the past 47 years.  She was a graduate of Williams High School and East Carolina University, and a member of Bethel Baptist Church.  
She is survived by her beloved Gerald Mann; sister, Sylvia Dismuke Perry; and four children-  Sharon (and husband Steven) Jones, Barry (and wife Mincey) Rhue, son Doug Rhue, son Darin (and wife Donna and granddaughter Kailyn) Rhue, many nieces and nephews, and cat Milo.  She was preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 50 years, Dalton Benjamin Rhue.

She was “mom” to her kids, but as with any life well-lived, Katherine was many things to many people, each experiencing their own personal loss with her passing.  In writing this remembrance each was asked to add thoughts and memories:

Sylvia - Katherine was three years younger, and as sisters we would sometimes squabble over silly things, but when it came down to it we were fiercely loyal to each other.  One time while I was in about the fourth grade and she in the first, a classmate of mine stole my spelling book and I came home crying.  The next day at the bus stop little Kat marched up to the girl and demanded she return my book.  Later that day it reappeared on my desk.  We enjoyed one another and could make the mundane fun.  As kids we’d often recite poetry and sing songs while doing dishes together. [Editors note: They did that as adults, as well… mercilessly!]

Gerald - We both lost our spouse within a year of each other.  Katherine and I were both lonely and praying for someone to come into our lives to love once again. Through a miraculous series of events we found each other.  She was a gift from God to me and I am grateful that He is the ultimate matchmaker.

Sharon - Mom always told me that she was “so glad I had my girl”.  She made me feel cherished.  She was created to be a mom.  Her degree was in Early Childhood Education and she channelled her love for children into teaching many years of third-grade Sunday School students in addition to the four of us.

Barry - Memories of my mom playing the piano and singing songs of inspiration will always have a special place in my heart. The times our extended families would get together, especially at Christmastime when grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins would get together singing carols are memories that I will always hold in my heart.

Mincey - she was the best mother-in-law - my second mom.  We were very close & very different from each other.  She was sweet & gentle & loved her family - always bragging on them to anyone she would meet.  I often reminded her that her children & spouses were not “perfect “ and she always smiled disagreed & said yes they are! She loved her children & Gerald so much - I will miss her silly humor & collection of bible verses & photos of the family on her refrigerator.

Doug - Mom and I shared a love for classical music.  She made the best spaghetti!  Mom was very loving to other people.  She was active in the church and taught me to love the Bible.

Darin - Both mom and dad left for their children a Godly legacy that remains humbling to me even now.  In marriage they modeled for us faithful, compassionate submission to their biblical roles as Christ Himself selflessly gave Himself to His own Church (Ephesians 5:25).  As parents they tirelessly committed themselves not only to our physical well-being and comfort but more importantly to our own spiritual development through consistent exposure to God’s Word around the home.  Mom was a Godly woman.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful caregivers who gave such compassionate, professional, gentle, patient care, and made the past few months bearable.  We are eternally grateful.  The AuthoraCare Hospice team was incredible.  Thank you all so much.

“Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.”

A graveside service will be held at 4pm on Monday March 15, 2021 at Oakwood Cemetery officiated by Pastors David Jackson and Scott London. 

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