On August 12, 2025, Catherine B. Worth, known as “Ann,” passed away peacefully at the age of 89, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 13, 1936, to Harry E. Benton and Anna T. Benton in Portsmouth, Virginia. Ann was the second of four siblings and is survived by her younger brother, Donald L. Benton, who was by her side at the time of her passing. Her cherished sister, Joyce Bowden, and oldest brother, Harry E. Benton Jr., preceded her in death. Additionally, Ann is survived by Royce Bowden, beloved brother-in-law.
Ann leaves behind four children: her oldest son, John A. Worth III, and his wife, Yvonne Worth; her daughter, Cynthia Reid, who was predeceased by her husband, Robert Reid; her son, Gregory Scott Worth, and his wife, Renee Worth; her daughter, Patricia Worth, and her husband, Chad Strayer. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Alexander Worth Jr., from Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Ann leaves numerous beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, great-nieces, great-great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and great-great-nephews, all of whom she cherished and for whom she made every holiday a joy.
Ann graduated with high honors from Newport News High School in Newport News, Virginia, before starting her career at NASA in 1954. She had a prestigious career at NASA, where she worked with the original seven astronauts and received numerous service awards before retiring in 1992.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ann was an avid gardener, an award-winning photographer, and a lover of travel. She also enjoyed creating beautiful needlework pieces for her friends and family.
The family wishes to express profound gratitude to Judi Major, Ann’s devoted companion in her final years, as well as to Tradition’s Hospice for the exceptional care she received during her last days.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601.
The funeral service will take place at the same location on Sunday, August 17, at 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Peninsula Memorial, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606, at 3:00 PM.
A gathering of friends and family to remember Ann will take place at the Grey Goose in Phoebus from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
1 Comment
I’m so very sorry to hear about Ann. I worked with her when I was a co-op at NASA. I learned a lot from Ann…she was a perfectionist at everything she did. She had a funny side too! My thoughts are with her family and friends.