Katherine Lorene Owen's Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}Nashville NativeKathy began her life journey on July 4, 1955, in Davidson County, Nashville. Born to Norma Goad and Jerry Kaiser, Kathy spent her childhood in the company of her five siblings. As a child, Kathy would challenge her daddy to eating contests, trying to devour the same number of bologna sandwiches as he could. In her youth, Kathy would tend to her siblings, chasing her brother Bobby around the neighborhood to wash his hair, pulling and pinching her brother Johnny, and dressing up her sister Lynn. During holiday seasons, Kathy ensured her siblings could celebrate. Her mother recalls one specific Easter, when finances were tight, that Kathy bought treats and outfits for each of them. It was just the kind of person she was. Kathy remained in Davidson County until she graduated from high school. Married, Moving and FamilyKathy left the Nashville area only once, for a three to four year period. She married, moved to Russellville, Kentucky, and raised two children, her son James and daughter Margaret. Her children brought her great pride and joy, and though she did not see her grandbabies often, she loved every opportunity that she had in their company. Kathy’s ChallengesKathy’s life was a difficult one, filled with challenge. Early on in life, Kathy had a nervous breakdown and suffered with schizophrenia. Her condition was such that she stood out from the crowd, struggling to carry on conversations that could be comprehended, and struggling to remain in the company of others for long. She was often bullied, but she remained persistent. As a result, Kathy stayed in group homes and in the mission, and at times, lived on the streets of Nashville. However, Kathy did not allow her challenges to keep her from working and enjoying life. She worked constantly, mostly in the restaurant and hotel industry, as a housekeeper, bussing tables, and a dishwasher. Though her illness behaviors led to her often being dismissed from jobs, she just as quickly found herself re-employed. Her mother laughed to recall how Kathy would often have to be picked up from a job that she lost, to be taken back to the mission, only to have Kathy call up the next morning for a ride to her new job! Finding JoyKathy found pleasure in many activities. She loved to color, complete puzzles and write letters. Collecting dolls and stuffed animals was a beloved hobby of hers. She enjoyed supporting her Tennessee Titan’s by watching games on television, loved country and gospel music, the refreshment of Coke and tea, and fish from Captain D’s. Much of Kathy’s time was spent on the joy of reading the Bible. A Life Learning LegacyKathy taught her family how to believe in a person, and not judge based on their illness. Throughout her life, with her schizophrenia and later with cancer, Kathy struggled to convince those in authority, and even her family, that she was ill and needed help. However, in time, she managed to teach them the importance of believing in one another. Kathy passed away on October 6, 2012. She was preceded in death by her brother Bobby Kaiser. She is survived by her father Jerry Kaiser; mother Norma Goad; son James Owen; daughter Margaret Jean Barnes; grandchildren Faith and Samuel Owen; sister Lynn Gregory; brother John Kaiser, Kevin Kaiser, and Kenny Pardini.
What’s your fondest memory of Katherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Katherine?
Share a story where Katherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Katherine you’ll never forget.
How did Katherine make you smile?