Kathryn Harmon

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life.”

Kathryn Elizabeth Colyer Harmon, age 100, died August 16, 2024, peacefully with her family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Maynard H. Colyer and Nell Ruth Franklin Colyer of Greeneville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Carl Eugene Harmon. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her three sisters, Norma Jean Brown (Leonard), Helen Collins (Bruce), June Gray (Rodney) and son-in-law, Donnie Barton (Judy).

Kathryn had the honor of being Greeneville High School’s first Football Queen. She played the clarinet in the high school band and she was a member of the Home Economics Club and Beta Club. She graduated in 1942 in the top 10 of her graduating class, Kathryn was also co-author of the high school song. After high school she graduated from Greeneville Business College and attended Tusculum College.

Her first employment was with McInturff Insurance Agency and later was secretary to Mr. Clyde Austin. She along with her husband started Harmon’s Dairy in 1949. They bred and showed All-American Guernseys. She worked for 20 years as a secretary at Greeneville Middle School. Kathryn was also active in her community by serving 20 years as a 4-H volunteer leader. She coached her son David to become Tennessee’s only two-time National Achievement and Public Speaking Awards winner. Both of her children were state 4-H winners and attended the National Congress in Chicago.

In 1943, she was saved and joined Reeves Memorial United Brethren Church that is now Trinity United Methodist Church. She sang in the church choir, served as a Sunday School Teacher and was on the Administrative Board. Kathryn and her husband Eugene supported the Evangelical United Brethren Church, now the Trinity United Methodist Church, working at the County Fair Food Booth for 50 consecutive years. She and husband were instrumental in starting the Food Booth. She supported a great number of charities and churches over the years. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 80 years. She and her husband’s favorite Bible verse was John 3:16.

On March 5, 1945, Kathryn married S/Sgt. Eugene Harmon after 5 years of courtship. For their 40th wedding anniversary, their children provided them a three-week vacation to five different countries. They ate their anniversary meal in Paris, France where Eugene spent three years during World War II dodging buzz bombs.

Kathryn enjoyed writing and she, and her daughter Judy, authored 2 cookbooks whose profits went to build the City of Greeneville tennis courts. She was the secretary for the World War II

28th Ordinance group for over 15 years. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking and spent much of her time tending her roses at her son David’s Eye Clinic.

She is survived by her daughter Dr. Judy Barton of Everglade City Florida and her son, Dr. David Harmon and fiancé Ruth Akers of Morristown, Tennessee. Her grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Dr. Dona-Gene Barton and husband Sergio Wals, Kathryn Nell Barton and husband Dr. Dony Donev, and Harmon David Barton and wife Leah. Great-grandchildren Alex and Alissa Barton; Benjamin, Mateo, Carlos, and Natalia Wals; and Keriyanna Donev; as well as several nieces and nephews, her special nephew was Dr. Leonard Hartman, Special Cousin Buddy Colyer. Special friends Janice Potter, Dan and Linda Dugger, Fannie Jones, Donna and Madison Lowery and Don and Ethel Davis.

Kathryn was lovingly cared for in her home by her children, Dr. Judy Barton and Dr. David Harmon.

A graveside service will be held at Hardin’s Chapel Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 with Preacher Wade McAmis officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. There will not be a procession from the funerals to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you are asked to donate to the church of your choice.