Cathy Justice
American educator, First lady of West Virginia
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Cathy Leigh Justice (née Comer; born January 28, 1953) is an American educator who served as the first lady of West Virginia from 2017 to 2025, and as a member of the West Virginia State Board of Education since 2024. Her husband, former state Governor Jim Justice, is now a U.S. Senator from West Virginia.
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Cathy Justice | |
|---|---|
Justice in 2017 | |
| First Lady of West Virginia | |
| In office January 16, 2017 – January 13, 2025 | |
| Governor | Jim Justice |
| Preceded by | Joanne Tomblin |
| Succeeded by | Denise Morrisey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 28, 1953 Beckley, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Marshall University (MEd) |
Early life
Cathy Leigh Comer, daughter and only child of Thomas Leigh and Virginia Ruth Comer, was born in Beckley, West Virginia, and grew up in Prosperity, West Virginia.[1]
She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1970, where she met her future husband, Jim Justice. She graduated from Marshall University with a degree in secondary education.[2]
Career
Justice served as president of Comer Electric, Inc., a business started by her family, and she was a member of the board of directors for First National Bank in Ronceverte for five years.[3]
Justice also spent time substitute teaching in Raleigh County Schools, and she is involved in a local reading program for elementary school students.[3] She became involved in elementary school programs affiliated with her local church, continuing her dedication to supporting young learners.[3]
Justice became the first lady of West Virginia when her husband, Governor Jim Justice, was sworn in on January 16, 2017.[4] She celebrated Women's History Month with a televised speech on March 8, 2017. In her speech, Justice recognized a number of West Virginia women who have made a difference in the state, like novelist Pearl S. Buck, actress Jennifer Garner, and basketball player Vicky Bullett.[5]
In 2018, Justice launched the Communities In Schools (CIS) program across the state.[3] This dropout prevention program was designed to support at-risk students and grew rapidly under her leadership, expanding to 285 schools in all 55 West Virginia counties.[3] This achievement made West Virginia the only state with a CIS program in every county.[3]
Justice initiated the Friends With Paws program, which placed certified therapy dogs in schools throughout West Virginia.[3] Over 40 therapy dogs were deployed to provide emotional support and companionship to students, enhancing school environments and helping children manage stress.
In November 2024, Justice was appointed to a nine-year term on the West Virginia State Board of Education by her husband, governor Jim Justice.[3] This appointment, which followed his victory in a U.S. Senate race, filled the board seat previously held by Daniel Snavely.[3] Governor Justice highlighted her extensive experience and dedication to youth programs, asserting that her qualifications made her an ideal candidate for the role.[3]
Personal life
Justice and her husband Jim reside in Lewisburg, West Virginia. The family chose not to reside in the West Virginia Governor's Mansion. The couple have two children.[citation needed]
Legal
In July 2021, Carter Bank & Trust, a banking company, went after Jim and Cathy Justice for a $58 million loan default based on guarantees they signed.[6] The company filed claims over the millions of dollars based on defaults of The Greenbrier Sporting Club and Oakhurst Club.