On July 21, 2026, Kathryn McKee of Tupelo, age 81, “completed this earthly journey having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.” August 19, 1944, Kathryn was born, Kathryn Ann Townsend to Fred Townsend and Gertrude Britton Townsend in Russellville, AL. Her early years were spent in Alabama, but the majority of her life she lived in Mississippi. Kathryn attended Itawamba County Schools graduating from Itawamba Agriculture High School and Itawamba Junior College before completing her degree from the University of Mississippi. Later she completed a master’s in social work, from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her career was in education and social work.
Kathryn loved to be around people. Some of her favorite times were family vacations and spending time with her grands. She also enjoyed rides through the countryside to admire old barns, cows and trees. Fall was her favorite season.
A long-time member of the Lord’s Church, she attended Gum Church of Christ for many years. During the time Kathryn was raising her family she attended Fulton Church of Christ and in later years East Main Church of Christ in Tupelo. Her faith was extremely important.
Kathryn was proceeded in death by her former husband, Luda McKee Jr, her parents and brother-in-law, Russell Kirkland. Kathryn is survived by her son, Britt McKee of Tupelo, her daughter, Keisha Gholston (Greg) of Mooreville, her sister Peggy Kirkland of Aiken, SC, her brother Glyndon Townsend (Carol) of Florence, AL, grandchildren Paige Short (Aaron) of Tupelo, Kaley Gholston of Huntsville, AL, Janna Gholston of Mooreville and Chase Gholston (Amanda) of Wren. Kathryn leaves great grandchildren Clark Short and Will Short of Tupelo, Aurora Gholston and Phoenix Gholston of Wren, honorary daughter Ginger Summers (Walt) of Belden along with many dear friends and family.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Fulton, MS. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will continue from 12:00 PM until the service.
Officiating the service will be Gene Britton. Pallbearers are Lex Kirkland, Andruw Kirkland, Tad Payton, Patrick Townsend, Johnny Kidd, and Mike Fikes. Honorary pallbearers are Walt Summers and Jerry Ford.
Kathryn will be laid to rest at Halltown Cemetery outside of Red Bay, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to (ACS) American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“Death leaves a heartache none can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
