Catherine Powell Klipple, age 99, died peacefully on the evening of December 24, 2025, at The Arbor in Ridgeland. She was born in Jackson, to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Frith Powell (Pearl McInnis) on August 18, 1926.
She lived most of her life in Jackson, graduating from Central High School in 1944. She subsequently earned a BA in mathematics from Millsaps College and an MS in biostatistics from Columbia University School of Public Health in New York. Throughout her adult life, she took many Millsaps Enrichment classes and frequently attended Friday Forums.
For most of her career, Catherine worked for Mississippi State Department of Health as a statistician and later as supervisor of statistical services. In that role, she also consulted physicians at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Other work experience was as a ranch wife in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, where she and her husband raised sheep and angora goats.
Catherine’s first love was her church. She was a lifetime member of Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church. She served in many roles at Galloway, including as missions chairwoman, administrative board member, children’s Sunday school teacher, organizer of the Bethany Circle of United Methodist Women, and faithful member of the Christian Fellowship Sunday school class. She was an active supporter of Bethlehem Center, Operation Shoestring, Stewpot Services, and Grace Place. At age 90, she was still delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors.
Catherine became interested in government and politics as a young adult, and she became an active member of the League of Women Voters, also serving on its executive board. She volunteered in many local political campaigns and frequently served as an election poll-worker. She was a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee for the City of Jackson for many years.
Since childhood, Catherine nurtured the wish to explore the world – and her journey began with a round-the-world tour. Many more excursions followed, including trips to England and Europe, China, Japan, and the Middle East. After retiring, she joined archaeological teams in Jordan and Israel. In Jordan, the team researched ancient Moab by excavating the ruins of a twelfth-century crusader castle in the town of Kerak. In Israel, the team lived in a tent city near Beersheba.
Catherine was a passionate fan of ice skating - both as a spectator and as an amateur skater. She enjoyed flower gardening and family history. She was a lifetime learner who was fascinated by the people and places and cultures of this world – past and present.
In addition to her parents, Catherine was predeceased by a younger sister, Martha Jane, who lived only one day. She is survived by cousins, friends, and two special families: the descendants of Frank and Sallie Pittman (the Laird, Bailey, May, and Delmas families) and the family of Barbara and Barry Powell. She was a valued member of these families and enriched the lives of multiple generations.
A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will take place at the Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church chapel in Jackson on Saturday, January 24, at 10:30 a.m.
Memorials may be given to the Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church Legacy Fund, 305 North Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201, or to the MIND Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.
