LELA MAE CATCHINGS, a lifelong resident of Liberty County, passed away early Saturday morning, February 6, 1999, at her home of 53 years. Lela Mae was born on August 30, 1919 in Hightower, Texas. She was a 1937 graduate of Liberty High School On October 25, 1941 she married Tommie J. Catchings of Hardin, Texas. Lela Mae was a direct line of the Tanner and Tarkington families of Tarkington Prairie. Lela Mae worked and served Liberty County for 45 years. For 19 years she worked in the Liberty County Tax Assessor and Collector's Office. For 14 years she served as a deputy in the Liberty County Clerk office under Mrs. Hightower. In 1965, Mrs. Hightower appointed Lela Mae as her Chief Deputy. In 1970, Lela Mae successfully entered and won the race for the position of County Clerk of Liberty County. She was reelected in 1974 and 1978. In 1982, Lela Mae decided not to seek another term but to retire so she could spend time with her husband, Tommie Catchings. She was an active member of the Texas Association of County and District Clerks. She was a member of the Liberty County Texas A & M Mothers Club. Lela Mae was very active in Sunday School activities and church activities at the First Baptist Church in Liberty, Texas. After her retirement from Liberty County, she continued to serve as an election judge during various local, county, state, and national elections Mrs. Catchings was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie Catchings in May 1984. Lela's two brothers, Hubert and Alan, and her three sisters, Oleta, Loleta and Merle, all preceded her in death. Lela Mae is survived by her two sons. She is survived by two daughters in law. She leaves behind three grandchildren, that were the love of her life. Services were held on Tuesday, February 9, 1999 at the First Baptist Church in Liberty, Texas. Burial was at the Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin, Texas. Arrangements were under the directions of Allison Funeral Service, Liberty Texas.