Mary Katherine Morris (Kathy), 81, of Northport, AL, passed peacefully to her eternal home on July 21, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her adoring husband, Jim; three daughters, Yolanda Baldwin, Natasha Kasarjian (Brian), and Alithea Stewart (Hansel); and 5 grandchildren, Colton Kasarjian, Ashby Kasarjian, Zaydix Stewart, Zell Stewart and Zander Stewar; her sister, Frances Johnson; and two brothers, Danny Ashby and Robert Ashby. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Addie Mae Ashby.
Kathy was born on March 1, 1942, in Fayetteville, TN, the 7th of 12 children. She grew up in Hazel Green, AL, and graduated from Sparkman High School. As the child of a sharecropper, hard work was part of daily life, and Kathy often spent her days in the fields picking cotton. Upon graduation, Kathy quickly left the farm behind and soon began working a job at the bank. It was during this time that she and Jim met at church. They were married shortly thereafter on October 14th, 1965. Jim worked 67 years as a minister, and Kathy was passionate about her supporting role as “preacher’s wife.” She also worked several jobs outside of the home over the years–everything from pre K teacher to funeral home receptionist. Still, her role as a preacher’s wife, as well as that of being a mother to her three girls, is what truly defined her. Kathy’s life was spent sharing the love of Jesus with those around her, whether through Bible studies or endless acts of service and selflessness. Even in her final weeks, Kathy was putting everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, offering snacks to visitors and even volunteering to share her hospital bed with her loved ones so they could be comfortable. She was a treasure that will forever be missed.
A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday, July 25th, at 2:00 pm at Central church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, AL, with visitation services immediately prior at 1:00 pm. A private burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Oakman, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Hospice of West Alabama or the New Hope Cemetery Fund (P.O. Box 391 Oakman, AL 35579).
