For nearly 30 years, she helped us raise our children…fixing them Shirley Temples, grilled ham & cheese sandwiches, hot dogs and correcting them when their conduct wasn’t up to proper standards.

For nearly 30 years, she sat quietly by as Rick Reece blathered on about monkeys, footballs, ex-wives and told stale old stories to
any Coharie newcomer who was unfortunate enough to get trapped.

For years and years, she was there most every Saturday when Bill and Ida Johnson came to the club for their weekly hot dog lunch date.

For nearly 30 years, she would only moderately roll her eyes as blowhards like Roy Brown, Jackie Parrish and Gerry Gill came into the lounge and espoused their views on world salvation.

You almost want to say, “Poor Kathy, she’s in a much better place now.”

And, that’s true. Our Kathy Garner, who died at her home on May 18, is now an angel who doesn’t have to deal with all our foibles.

On the other hand, we love and miss her, just as we know she loves and misses us.

Kathy’s family was at her side, including daughter Desnee from Washington state, who arrived at 2 a.m., about six hours before Kathy passed away.

After visitation was held at Brock Memorial and Worley Funeral Home in Clinton on the afternoon of Saturday, May 22, Kathy’s funeral was held in Lakewood High School’s gymnasium on Sunday, May 23. An estimated 750- 1,000 people attended.

The Rev. Dr. John Troy told the audience they were acting as though they were attending a funeral. He said that the ceremony was a celebration of Kathy’s Christian life.

The program handed out to attendees included a “Change of Address” notice from Kathy.

“My new home is a sight to behold,” she said. “It is located on an exclusive estate area behind a beautiful pearly gate. It is just over the other side of the celestial shore. Of course, you know the streets are paved with gold and every day is Sunday…Trees with 12
manners of fruit grace my garden here and I can walk and talk with my Heavenly Father.

“…There is peace here, joy, happiness, no pain or headaches, no pills or doctors, no strife or discontent, only sweet serenity.

“I can dine at the Master’s table and listen to a heavenly choir, but best of all my Heavenly Father is here in all His glory!

“Oh yes, I have my own designer who has fitted me with my very own white robe and my wings.

“…I’m gonna pray that you get to move here yourself one day. But before I close, let me give you my new address.”

Golden Gate Circle
Godstown, Heaven
22504.

Burial followed in the Bearskin church cemetery.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Antonio (Tony) Garner; father, Lenwood Herring; two daughters, Desnee Schmit of Washington
State; Tierra Garner of Clinton; one son, Antonio (T.J.) Garner of Clinton; two brothers, Lenwood Herring Jr., and Marvin Herring,
both of Clinton; and five grandchildren.