Katie A. Blizzard Pinson

When Katie Blizzard Pinson passed away on August 4, 2012, at the age of 103, she took with her a century of mountain and coalfield lore. Keeping her memory and her myriad stories alive are five generations of descendants whom she adored and who adored her. She was born May 22, 1909, the daughter of the late George W. and Kate Allport Blizzard. She graduated from Fayetteville High School in three years at a time when education for women was not the norm. She often recounted her daily commute from Nuttallburg, which included a long walk, a train ride and a taxi ride each way. Shortly after graduating, she wed Benjamin H. Pinson; they were married until his death in 1960. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three daughters: Virginia Allen, Rosemary Feazell, and Patricia Hinte; her beloved grandson Nicki Navicki; and twelve of her 13 siblings. She is survived by one daughter, Suellen Navicki, and her husband Larry of Hilltop, with whom she made her home for nearly eight years after “breaking up housekeeping” at the age of 95. Other survivors include 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 24 great-great grandchildren; and four great-great-great grandchildren; one sister, Rosalie Leffell and her husband Harold of Navarre, Ohio; a son-in-law, Jack Hinte; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The community may best remember Katie for her nearly 50-year presence on Main Street. Katie’s Dress Shop was renowned for personalized attention and welcoming atmosphere. It was a place where one could sit in one of those classic rattan chairs, chat, laugh, weep, and have a cup of coffee. She exemplified forward thinking, elegance, dignity, beauty and grace. Her family will always remember her ability to make every daughter or grandchild seem like the favorite. She was indomitable, seeing life’s challenges as opportunities, and accepting setbacks as reminders that one should reflect about the present and then move forward. From the time she was ninety, she kept a stack of $2 bills in her drawer so that she could hand them out to the young children who came to visit her. Most of them still have at least one piece of Mam-maw Katie’s money, but all of them have a piece of her in their hearts. She was a member of Beta Theta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and the United Methodist Church. Having a voice in her government was always important to her, and from the time she was eligible to vote she never missed an election until this past year. A service celebrating her life will be on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill. Friends and family are urged to contribute. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park. The Rev. Rick Rutledge will preside at the graveside service. Friends may visit at Tyree Funeral Home on Saturday, August 11, 2012 6-8 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV.