Kathryn Witherspoon

Kathryn Stubblefield Witherspoon left this world on Saturday, October 21, 2017, to join her beloved husband, Ed, and other angels in Heaven. She died peacefully in her sleep at her residence at Wesley Court Retirement Community in Abilene. She was 97 years old, born on January 28, 1920, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Charles Macon Stubblefield and Kate Pullen Stubblefield. Her father was a Church of Christ preacher, making Kathryn and her two older sisters, Ruth and Ruby, PK's (Preacher's Kids) – no easy roles to play. His church postings took the family to Paducah, KY, Plainview, TX, Ft. Worth, TX, Ada, OK, and Paris, TX. Kathryn's education included Paris High School, Paris Junior College, East Central University and Abilene Christian College, where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She worked as a candy sales clerk at Woolworth's (for $.17/hour!), then at Oklahoma Gas & Electric before she married, and later a 7th grade history teacher for Abilene Independent School District. She married Ed Witherspoon on January 3, 1941, and they celebrated 53 years together. Her favorite job was that of a loving caregiver to family, friends, and acquaintances – even strangers. The shivering child without a coat at the Christmas Parade many years ago will never forget the kind stranger who gave her the extra coat she had brought for her own kids, while Katie, Jeanne, and Beth watched in awe. Kathryn was a wonderful example of faith in action. Kathryn had been a member of Highland Church of Christ since 1953, teaching the Ladies Bible Class for many years. She and Ed spent 17 years managing the Tape Ministry at Highland, sending sermon audiotapes to thousands of subscribers around the world. She was also a leader in the worldwide Bible Study Fellowship program. She continued sharing her faith, even in her last years at Wesley Court. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting and bridge – which she loved as long as she got good cards. Kathryn was predeceased by her loving husband, Phillip Edgar Witherspoon, and her sisters Ruth McClure and Ruby Cauthen. She is survived by daughters Kate Beatty (husband Mike), Jeanne Wray (husband David) and Beth Williamson (husband Byron). Nine grandchildren and their spouses, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren also survive her, as well as nieces Carol Jean Nicolaisen and Debbie Schaffer, nephew Bob Cauthen and their families. Memorials honoring Kathryn Witherspoon may be made to FaithWorks of Abilene or Highland Church of Christ. The family wishes to thank Wesley Court and Kindred Hospice for their loving and compassionate care for her. A memorial service celebrating her life will be Tuesday, October 24, at 1:30 pm at Highland Church of Christ, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.