of Mountain Home, AR
December 20, 1928 - June 4, 2023
Mary Kathryn Horton, age 94, of Mountain Home, Arkansas died Sunday, June 4th, 2023 at Hospice House of the Ozarks in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born on a farm in Gilbert, Arkansas on December 20th, 1928, the youngest child of David Stills and Minnie Moore Stills.
Her parents, Dave and Minnie Moore Stills were farmers along the Buffalo River. She was welcomed into the family by her brother, Eugene and sister, Geraldine. All have preceded her in death.
Kathryn grew up in Gilbert and attended the first eight grades of school in a one room school house now known as the Gilbert Community Building. She and four other girls then traveled each day in a Model A Ford to Western Grove, Arkansas for the first three years of their high school education. Kathryn's 4th and final year was here in Marshall where she graduated in 1946. After high school she was privileged to be able to find a job working at the high school as a secretary to the superintendent. She held this job for three years until Gene returned from the army. They were married in August of 1949 and then moved to Russellville where Gene enrolled in college and she took a job in town to help with expenses. They had to drop out of college after one year as Gene became ill and had to spend several months in the veteran's hospital in Fayetteville. Kathryn stayed in Marshall and worked for Ruff's Market until he was able to return home. Finally, after many moves and different jobs, Kathryn was able to graduate from college and took a job teaching at the high school in Clinton, Arkansas. From here, they moved to California and she taught school there for three years before coming back to Marshall to finally establish a permanent home. She finished her teaching career here after teaching a total of 30 years. In 1954 a precious daughter, Kathy Jim, was born and Kathryn and Gene's lives were made complete. She devoted her life to her church, her family and her school. She loved her teaching career, said it was the best career anyone could possibly have and dearly loved all her students.
She leaves to mourn her death her daughter, Kathy Jim and husband, Robert Williams; her grand-children, Kathryn Elizabeth Williams, Jackson Williams (Linda), Robbie Williams (Rita), Kelly Montgomery (James) and great-grandchildren, Sarah Claire Williams, Troy and Roman Williams. She also leaves her niece, Martha Watts Drewry (Bill) and family; her nephew, Raymond Stills, many beloved friends and family, along with her best dog friend, Maggie.
Visitation will be 1:00 till 1:45 PM Thursday, June 8th, 2023 preceding the service and will be held at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas. Graveside memorial services for Kathryn will be 2:00 PM Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at Canaan Cemetery in Marshall, Arkansas, where Kathryn will be laid to rest beside her husband, Gene who passed away in 2010. Bro. Roy Ragland will be officiating the service.
At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gilbert Christian Church, PO Box 32, Gilbert, Arkansas 72636.
I didn't realize she was gone
Until it was her birthday well in my defense I want to say " this ain't supposed to happen to the only teacher that tried to teach me to not say AIN'T R.I.P Mrs Horton I'm going to miss you
My favorite teacher but you're at home now.
So very sorry for your loss Kathy Jim and family!! Your mother was very inspirational in my style of teaching, she always made each of us feel special and loved…she was a natural!! May you find joy in knowing she is rejoicing with Gene again!!
Dear KJ, I am so sorry to hear that your mother has passed away. I remember all our trips from Conway to Marshall and the fun times I spent at your house. Your mom was a jewel and I know will be so missed by you and your family. Sending prayers, love and angel hugs your way. Sending ðŸ™ðŸ» 💖 😇
Kathy Jim, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure mom (Betty Sue) was waiting there in heaven for Kathryn to show up. I know at one time they were the best of friends & that kind of relationship never really leaves you. I am jealous you had about 25 years longer than I had with my mom. Lucky you. Your family is in my prayers.
A favorite teacher for sure. She entertained us with antics of her beloved Kathey Jim. We all loved her classes. Prayers and thoughts to all her family.
We visited your mom several times over the past years and we enjoyed the time with her
No finer neighbors, no greater or valued frinds - like family. Kathy Jim, we loved them dearly.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Horton’s passing. She was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time. ðŸ™â™¥ï¸ðŸ™
She was so kind to all. Prayers for family and friends
Kat, I’m so sad fit you, Kallie, & Rob! Your Mom was the best, had the best care anyone could have! What an example of love… the way a family should be! She was such a trooper when hardship came she looked at it straight on! What a honor & blessing you had her by your side cheering you on & you her for so many years! Peace for her at last. Much love. “Tâ€
My condolences to Kathryn’s family. I will always treasure the wonderful friendship I had with Kathryn. The memories of the wonderful times we shared will remain in my heart forever.
Mrs. Horton was one of my favorite teachers. She was a nice, kind, and lovely person.
My prayers and condolences to the family. She was a favorite teacher and such a wonderful, loving person.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Horton, but I remember many lovely stories that Kathy shared with me about her mom. I extend my sincere condolences to Kathy and all of her family.
Mrs. Horton was a great teacher, but she also made high school a very enjoyable experience. She had your back. I also had the privilege of going to church with her at 1st Christian Church. She sang in the choir every Sunday. She will truly be missed.
May God bless and watch over her family as they mourn her passing.
She was probably the teacher/person who influenced my life the most,, Rest In Peace
Oh, Kathy Jim... you are in my prayers... I know how much you love your precious Mama...
A Mama is priceless.
You are so blessed to have had your Mother with you for so many years. May God carry you through this valley and bring you peace beyond understanding.
Loving you through this.
Mrs. Horton was a great teacher. I consider her one of my best and I learned many things from her.
Sorry to hear of her passing.
Respectfully submitted.
Our deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of Mrs. Horton. Memories will be treasured by not only us but all of her students. We never miss thinking of her when we revisit our high school days. She was a very special teacher and precious lady who will be missed by many. RIP Mrs. Horton and we take comfort knowing you are with the love of your life once again.
Mrs. Horton was a great teacher, mentor and friend to students and colleagues. She loved all her students and we thought the world of her. I will miss seeing her in Facebook. Another Angel has her wings, God's blessings to the family
Mrs Horton was one of my favorite teachers, a great role model, someone that was there to talk with. I aspired to be just like her.
Prayers for her family.
Our deepest sympathies at the passing of this lovely lady. She was such an inspiration and made her classes fun. Forever in our hearts.
Such a beautiful lady, teacher and friend. I was a student at Clinton when she first taught. Husband Gene was our Basketball coach. Both were instrumental in me going to college.
She was a wonderful typing and shorthand teacher who was loved and admired by many. My heartfelt sympathy to her family.
One of my favorite teachers she was a sweet sweet lady.
So happy to have had you as a teacher and friend. You will be missed by many-🌹💕
Kathryn was the same age as Betty Sue Moore, her cousin and my Aunt. When I was young, they were teenagers and I admired them so much. I was living in Harrison when they were dating young men in that town. I moved away but never forgot those two special young women. I have been a friend of Kathryn’s on Facebook and have been amazed at how many of her students posted such sweet.memories of her. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
We were very sorry to hear of Mrs. Horton's passing. She was a very nice lady that we enjoyed knowing. Our prayers and thoughts go out to her family.
Mrs Horton’s passing brings sadness to me and I know many others. She was such a special teacher in my life. Condolences to the family.,
Kathy so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Your mother was a special lady. She will be missed.
She was a wonderful lady and teacher she will be remembered by all her students. Prays to kathy Jim and rob and all the rest of the family
I remember her being such a sweet and caring lady. She was always willing to help if you asked her for it.
This sweet lady was one of last pieces of my childhood. Precious memories of her and Gene welcoming me on hazy summer mornings, many years ago. Truly wonderful people. She will be missed. My heart goes out to the family. Hopefully the legacy that they have left, will bring joy and comfort to you after the pain of grief has faded.
So sad to hear about Ms Kathryn. She was a favorite teacher but also an awesome neighbor. Our love and prayers to all the family.
Mrs Horton was a kind, beautiful, and gracious lady who inspired many students. i have nothing but fondest memories of her. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends. She will be missed by many.
She was a lot of things to me. Will always love her and the memories are many. God Bless Kathy my prayers continue with you🌹😢
She was an amazing teacher and I thank her for pushing me to become better than. She will be missed.
Mrs. Horton was an inspiration to me as a teen! She was a special kind of teacher who took a group of kids into her home for a sleepover and cooked us breakfast the next morning. She was an excellent model of what a teacher should be! I will always treasure the time I spent with her! My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved her!
Kathy Jim, you have my deepest condolences during this time of the loss of your mom. She was a great teacher, coworker and friend of mine. God’s blessings to you and to each family member.
Mrs. Horton was an excellent teacher who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
So sorry to hear this. She was such a great teacher and person. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Dearest Kathy and family,
Our hearts are heavy for all of you right now! Your mother was a lady of grace and charm. We all loved her and enjoyed many memories of her!
Sincerely, Laura, Ron, and Vernelle
Bill and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Horton. She was a precious lady, always so very kind. Our prayers are for her family.
Mrs. Horton was my inspiration to become a high school Business teacher. I loved her and the classes she taught. My condolences to her family.
Kathy and Family,
Our hearts are breaking for you and your sweet family. Your mother was just precious and she lived for her family. What a Legacy!!
She and your dad are now strolling on those streets of gold in Heaven.
Just treasure ALL of your precious memories made with her. Those will give you such comfort during these difficult days ahead. You're in our prayers.
Dennis and Carol Copeland
Mrs. Horton was an overall wonderful person and great teacher, my most favorite of all time. I’m so happy we connected via Facebook a few years ago so that I could tell her how important she was to my younger self. Prayers for all who loved her.
Kathryn was a lovely person. I grew to love her during my classes at Marshall. I know each in her family will feel great sadness, but rejoice for her going home…no more struggles. Prayers coming your way.
Mrs. Horton was one of the best teachers Marshall High School ever had. Prayers for her family & friends.
Kathryn Horton was a mentor, a friend and a beautiful woman who inspired many of her students to become the best person they could be. My love to her precious family.
Mrs Horton was the best teacher ever. She always smiled, always had a kind word & was always welcoming to all of her students. Prayers for comfort for her family.
One of my favorite teachers. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. Our thoughts and Prayers for the family!
Mrs. Kathryn was my amazing teacher and a model for me as I became an educator. I loved her then as I do now. I send heartfelt thoughts for her sweet daughter and family as they mourn her passing. I know how happy she must have been as she greeted Fisherman Gene, her dear husband, at Heaven's gate. With love...
My prayers go out to Kathy Jim and family. What a great lady. My favorite MHS teacher of all time. We were not related but we considered her and Gene family. They were a big part of my life. She will certainly be missed.
Mrs. Horton was one of my favorite teachers and we have remained friends for 57 years. She will be missed by so many, My condolences to her family.
I remember her from 75 yrs ago