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Condolences
The SCHS Class of 1971 would like to express its condolences to classmate Debbie McClanahan on the passing of her sister.
Cathy Kinser
October 31, 1950 — March 7, 2023
Cathy Ann McClanahan Kinser, of Helena, Alabama, aged 72, went home surrounded by her beloved husband, Pete Kinser and her four daughters on March 7, 2023. Her life was a testimony to a quiet strength gifted from Christ. Her death leaving those who loved her rejoicing through tears that her goal to be with God was made manifest. Born in Paris, Lamar County, Texas, on October 31, 1950 to Samuel Luther and Laura Carleen Elizabeth Neese McClanahan who preceded her in death. Cathy was the sixth of seven children who were raised in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her cherished brother Raymond McClanahan and sister Jan Shapard. She is survived by one brother, Carl McClanahan (Pam), and three sisters Karen Bledsoe (Dwight), Sharon McClanahan, and Debbie McClanahan.
She graduated with honors from Shelbyville Central High School in 1968 and a week later became the bride of Pete Kinser, also of Shelbyville. It was this partnership that brought her the greatest joy. She loved Ed and Jewel Kinser as her own, along with Malinda Wilson, Dakin and Lana Kinser, and Tom and Kandee Walker. Pete and Cathy’s life together moved them across the world through 55 years. It was in him she found comfort, partnership, laughter, and a worthy sparring partner. He was the one and only love of her life and she saw him as her rock. It was Pete who brought the biggest smile to her face. It was his eyes she sought even to her last. She was a worthy partner and together they built a life full of adventure, hospitality to others and devotion to each other.
Cathy was a teacher at heart who loved to read and share stories. Her Children, Andrea and Jason Johnson, Sara and Nathan Jones, Carli and Robert Stockton, and Katie and Keith Dickey were the benefactors of the best of her lessons. She taught them to put God first, to love each other with intention and grace, and how to make macaroni and cheese the very best way. She taught them that strength can be displayed best with a meek spirit and that there was power in a strongly worded letter. Her children learned that circumstances never had to dictate your attitude and that nothing was as healing as the way she said, “Bless your heart.” Claire Johnson, Noah Jones, Chase Johnson, Macy Jones, Chad and Mary Johnson, Molly Jones, Cody Johnson, Emma Jones, Jordon Jones, Bradyn Dickey, Sophia Stockton, Emery Dickey, Everett Stockton, Ava Dickey, Elijah Stockton and River Dickey all made their Grammy’s heart sing. They benefitted from her sweet unconditional love, seemingly endless supply of bacon, cinnamon twists and mini-donuts, as well as a love that saw only the good in them. Along with her great-grandson, Beren Johnson, and her archnemesis Roxy the Doxy, she leaves a legacy of love.
She was an active member of Helena Church of Christ where her teaching spirit was active. She loved to share God’s love and encouragement to the women of the congregation, with a special place in her heart for the young women and girls. She loved them so. It was here that she met her beloved friend and chosen sister, Vallerie (Ray) Tate. Her faith in God through Christ gave her strength.
Cathy was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Education. She taught for several years at Mitchell Nelson Primary School. She retired as an Arbitration Specialist with State Farm Insurance after twenty-five years. Whatever she set her mind to do, she did with excellence. Yet, her occupation was loving people and serving God. She made all she met feel like they were the most special person she knew. Her gift to this world, the lesson of sweet kindness and unconditional love. Among those she loved most were her many nieces and nephews and dear friends across the country.
There will be a celebration of her life on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, Alabama. The family will receive visitors at 9:00 a.m. with the memorial service to be held at 10:00 a.m. Cathy will be laid to rest at 3:00 in Willow Mount Cemetery, Shelbyville, Tennessee after a brief graveside service. The family will receive guests at a reception visitation following at the Walker Farm located at 289 Clyde Gleaves Road, Wartrace, Tennessee.
To honor her and the family, please share an act of kindness in her memory and your stories of her kindness with the family. Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Selections at Sacredselection.org.
Condolences
The SCHS Class of 1971 would like to express its condolences to classmate Larry Curlee on the passing of his daughter Corey Kay Curlee Bates
Funeral services for Corey Kay Curlee Bates, age 37 of Shelbyville, will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Fairlane Church of Christ with Jeff Smith officiating. Entombment will follow at Rosebank Cemetery in the Flat Creek Community of Bedford County. Corey passed from this life Friday, March 10, 2023, at her home under the care of her family and Avenna Hospice.
Visitation with the family will be 5-8 P.M. Monday, March 13, 2023, at the church.
Corey was born on April 2, 1985, in Shelbyville, TN to Larry Curlee and the late Betty G. Potts Curlee.
She was a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School class of 2003, where she was a four-year starter on the softball team, having accumulated many individual awards and would be named “Best All Around” by her high school class; an award that she was very proud of. She attended and played softball at Motlow Community College before gaining a softball scholarship to the University of West Alabama where she received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She was a softball standout in high school and in college during her playing career, her love for the game and teaching would continue. After college, she taught elementary school and coached softball for Sumter Academy in Alabama. Upon returning to Bedford County she taught at Southside Elementary and was an assistant coach with Shelbyville Central High School. Later she would stop coaching to raise her daughter but continued teaching until her health prohibited it. During her teaching career, she was kind and compassionate often going well out of her way to make sure her school children always had the extra time, love, and attention that they needed. She was a faithful member of Southside Church of Christ and always loved attending with her family. She also loved to travel to different destinations, especially Disney World.
Along with her father, survivors include her loving husband of 10 years, Adam Bates; and daughter, Madelyn “Maddie” Grace Bates all of Shelbyville.
Memorial donations may be made to Southside Church of Christ by mail: 108 Narrows Rd. Shelbyville, TN 37160.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com
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