Emma Kate Hathaway passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Aug. 7, 2024, while a resident at Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
She was born May 14, 1940, at Upper Tract, the daughter of the late Earl and Lena (Heavner) Wheaton.
Ms. Hathaway was a 1958 graduate of Franklin High School and worked for the West Virginia Department of Highways.
She later lived in Asheville, North Carolina, and after relocating to Upper Tract, she worked as a teacher’s aide and then as school secretary at both the former Upper Tract Elementary School and Franklin High School. After retirement, she worked part-time as the check-in lady at the former Thompson’s Motel. She enjoyed working at the Upper Tract polling place during elections and was well known by everyone in the community.
She was a member of Upper Tract Presbyterian Church and attended Petersburg Presbyterian Church.
She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
Surviving are two sons, Nathan and Jason Hathaway, their spouses respectively, Helen and Laurel; grandchildren, Olivia (Nathan), Brenna and Jack (Jason); a sister, Patricia Swecker of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Richard Wheaton; and two sisters, Louise Mullenax and Jean Mays.
A funeral service was held on Sunday at the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin with Rev. Larry Hakes officiating. Interment was in Cherry Hill Cemetery at Upper Tract.
An animal lover all her life, in lieu of flowers, she would have appreciated a donation, in any amount, to PAWS, PO Box 804, Franklin, WV 26807 or one’s local ASPCA.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
