Major General Catherine Smith Lutz (1955 - 2014)

Flora

Major General Cathy Lutz's beginnings were of ordinary means which paved the path to greatness.

Born to Margie and Hugh Smith on August 11, 1955, Cathy's childhood was filled with love for her sister and brothers. Cathy enjoyed challenging herself to expand her potential in both her professional and personal life. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and Master's Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Mississippi.

She was employed 30 years at the Veterans Administration Hospital as a clinical nurse, supervisor, educator and compliance officer, always striving to provide quality care to veterans. Cathy's deep respect and appreciation for all who have served our great country provided momentum for her 32 years of service in the Mississippi Air National Guard.

She began her military career as a 2nd Lieutenant Flight Nurse and advanced to Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the Mississippi Air National Guard. She is the first and only federally recognized female General in the Mississippi National Guard. Cathy commanded the Air Expeditionary Medical Unit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and Medical Group of the Mississippi Air National Guard.

She is a graduate of Air Force Flight Nurse School, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. She has received many honors for her service to our country, including the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Cathy has been married to Major General (Retired) William Lutz for 27 years, and has provided encouragement and support for his service in the military and public sector as well. Together they have created the Lutz Art Farm where they have enjoyed spending time with each other and their many adoring four legged friends. For the past several years, Cathy has pursued her development as a visual artist. She is an active member of the Mississippi Art Colony where she has served as a board member. She has studied with many artists and her work has been displayed in the Mississippi Art Colony Traveling Show. Cathy's legacy is living joyfully in truth and integrity and being of service to others.

Cathy is survived by her husband William Lutz of Flora; Parents, Margie Summerlin Jaap of Jackson and Hugh Smith of Brandon; siblings Hugh Smith of Harrisville, Louie Smith (Jan ) Jackson, Tony Smith Jackson, and Joanne Jaap of Brandon; nephew Jason; nieces Grayce and Renee.

Visitation Services will be held Sunday January 19th at 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 238 East Center St. Canton, MS. Funeral Services will be held Monday January 20th at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 127 Church Rd. Gluckstadt, MS. Visitation will be prior to service at 9 a.m. - 11a.m. and will be officiated by Fr. Kevin Slattery. The eulogy will be presented by Major General Augustus Leon Collins, The Adjutant General of Mississippi.

Honorary Pallbearers are Hugh Smith, Louie Smith, Tony Smith, Ricky Summerlin, Dale Hettrick, Carl Caples and Michael Jones. Military Ceremony will follow at Canton City Cemetery.

Family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations are made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675

Published in Clarion Ledger from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20, 2014