Catherine Lillian Harrison, lovingly known as "Cat" to some and simply "Gram" to those who adored her most, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 at Hubbard Hospice House. Born on February 13, 1931, in Charleston, West Virginia, she spent her entire life rooted in the place she loved so dearly. She was one of nine children born to Omer and Lola Fields, and was preceded in death by her beloved parents.

In 1951, she married the love of her life, Glenneth Harrison, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion until his passing in 2003. Their marriage was a true partnership and a beautiful example of love and commitment.

Catherine was the heart of her family. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Zirkle, and son-in-law, James Zirkle; her beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Preston, and husband, Aaron Preston; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Katherine Preston—proudly named in her honor—Ryan Preston, and Jake Preston. Each of them carries forward her legacy of kindness, strength, and love.

To know Catherine was to feel welcome. Her door was always open, the coffee pot was always on, and there was always room at her table. She had a special gift for making everyone feel like family. Conversations around her kitchen table were filled with comfort, wisdom, and laughter.

She was a wonderful cook, famous for her chicken and dumplings, sweet potato casserole, and her cherished peanut butter fudge at Christmastime—a treat her family looked forward to every year. Food was never just food in her home; it was an expression of love.

Throughout her life, Catherine served others in many roles— daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, caregiver, cook, teacher, seamstress, and friend. In each of these, she gave wholeheartedly. She cared deeply, loved fully, and lived with quiet strength and grace. Her nurturing spirit and steady presence shaped generations.

Services will be held at Long & Fisher Funeral Home in Charleston, West Virginia, on Friday, February 20th. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the service beginning at noon. Burial will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, West Virginia, in honor of Catherine's caring and compassionate spirit.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in every shared cup of coffee, every holiday recipe passed down, and every moment of kindness offered in her name. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.