Martha Cathryn (Cathy) Busbee  of Virginia Beach went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 10, 2024. She was the daughter of the late William and Claudia Garrett.

Cathy was born on August 19, 1927, in LaGrange, Georgia, and was the eldest of nine children. She met her beloved, Ed, in 1944 and wed two years later having spent 70 beautiful years together.

Supporting Ed through his 22-year Navy career, having called Newfoundland to Morocco to Norfolk home, they settled in Virginia Beach in 1966. Always together, they spent many years square dancing and formed The Dixie Squares Club. They loved to square dance, and Cathy made most of her own beautiful dresses. She was such a talented seamstress. In 1972, they opened Ed & Cathy’s Western Wear – affectionately known as “The Shop” – retiring after 26 years in business. Cathy never fully retired as she was always behind the sewing machine, baking her famous black walnut cakes, and volunteering with numerous organizations.

Cathy was an active member of Haygood United Methodist Church. She proudly served as chairperson of the Alice Oliver Circle, President of the United Methodist Women, and was a faithful volunteer in the church office.

Cathy was predeceased by her loving husband, Ed. Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Jean (Jimmie) Furlough and Patsy (Mike) Dixon of Virginia Beach, sisters Ruth Ford and Faye Rushton of LaGrange, GA, brother Coleman Garrett of Newnan, GA, niece Tina Bertrand of Abilene, TX, grandchildren Dawn, Jamie, Amy, and Holly and four great-grandchildren Madison, Jordan, Ayden, and Emma along with a host of extended family and many friends.

A celebration of her beautiful life will be conducted on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Haygood United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the food pantry at Haygood United Methodist Church 4713 Haygood Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455.