Cato Battle

Cato Moffiet Battle, 88, was born November 30, 1927 to Thomas Battle and Amanda Bradley Battle. He was called to rest on May 17, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers; Charles, Vernon, Frank and Robert Battle. He attended Catholic School in Portsmouth and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1945 where he was the President of his class. He attended Virginia Union on a football scholarship for one year before serving in the U.S. Army for three years. When he saw Shirley, whom he didn’t know, walking down the street, Cato told his friend that he was going to marry her. They were married on September 8, 1956 and they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. From this union came his four beautiful daughters; Zelene, Rosalind, Shirley Yvette and Ezell. After working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for more than 25 years as a Pipefitter, he retired on March 9, 1981. Upon retiring from the Shipyard, he started a Lawn Care Service. Cato is a life-long member of Third Baptist Church, where he enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School. On July 15, 2006, Cato was honored at the Bradley/Christian Family Reunion as our Family Historian. He was also recognized as a “Man of Honor” at the CANI Sister Circle Award Banquet. As his illness progressed, he became a patient at the Sentara Nursing Home on Greenwood Drive, Portsmouth, VA. During his stay at the nursing home, he was known as the “singing patient” and everyone loved to hear him sing. You could hear Mr. Battle singing as you walked down the halls of Sentara. We, the family of Cato M. Battle extend a heartfelt thank you to the nursing staff of the Sentara Nursing Home and to the Churchland Sentara PACE. A “Special Thanks” to Dr. K. Robichaud, Dr. R. Bikorowki-EVMS, LPN R. Wallace, LPN W. Elias, Harriett McDaniel, Burnette, Alesha Ross, April Ward, TeLisa White, MJ Harris, Shakira and other staff members. Thank you for the care and dedication you gave to Mr. Cato Battle. Cato M. Battle will never be forgotten by those who loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley D. Battle, four daughters; Zelene B. Bell (Wallace), Rosalind B. Jennings, Shirley B. Broom and Ezell L. Battle. Three granddaughters, Ayanna Broom, Fianna and Maya Bell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends. Cato Moffiet Battle is now singing in that “heavenly choir”! To God Be The Glory!!!

Cato Battle

November 30, 1927 - May 17, 2016