Katherine Marie Starnes

Katherine Sorah Bryant Starnes, age 86, passed away on Sunday December 1, 2013 in Kingsport, Tennessee. Katherine was born in East Stone Gap, VA, the daughter of R.S. and Hazel Burton Sorah. When she was 12, the family moved to Surgoinsville, Tennessee, where Katherine attended elementary and high school. She was the oldest of 8 children, and assisted her mother in cooking, housekeeping, and taking care of her siblings. As a result, many of them affectionately called her “Momma Kat”. Following high school, she worked at Mead Paper, Kingsport, Tennessee, where she met and married Otto H. Bryant. They moved to Mount Carmel, Tennessee where they raised 3 sons. During that time, Katherine attended cosmetology school, and owned and operated Kay’s Beauty Shop in Mount Carmel. She was an active member of the Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, and later Church Hill UMC, where she sang in the choirs, and filled many leadership roles. She was also a Den Mother for her son’s Cub Scout packs, and always served as a Homeroom Mother. Otto Bryant died in 1975. About a year later, Katherine met the man who would be her devoted husband and faithful companion for the remainder of her life. She married Ollin B. Starnes on Christmas Day, 1976 and moved to Taylor, Michigan, where he worked for Cadillac Motor Company. While in Michigan, Katherine attended Henry Ford Community College, and became a realtor. She successfully owned and operated Katherine Starnes Realty Company in New Boston, Michigan until her retirement. Katherine and O.B. moved to Fall Branch, Tennessee in 1994 following their retirements. Since then they have enjoyed gardening, caring for her pets and spending time with her large family. She was a member of the Glen Alpine United Methodist Church. Everyone who met Katherine was struck by her physical beauty, and her warm heart. She would instantly make you feel like a member of her family, with her kindness and smile. She was a wonderful cook, and made world famous cornbread. Anyone visiting her house would be fed a meal they would not soon forget. Those who knew her during the various stages of her life will always have fond memories of their times together. Katherine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and recently became a great grandmother. Her family meant everything to her, and while their hearts are sad, they will forever remember her loving ways. They also have the comfort of knowing that she was a Christian, and has now gone to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Stewart and Hazel Sorah; husband Otto H. Bryant; sister Dorothy (Dot) Thurman and husband Herman, and sister Evelyn Tate and husband, Claude. She is survived by her husband, O.B. Starnes, four sons, Stephen Otto Bryant of Johnson City, Robert Alan Bryant and wife, Teresa of Knoxville, Jeffrey Lynn Bryant of Fall Branch, and Marcus Starnes, and wife, Lydia of Kingsport; grandchildren, Morgan Bryant of Johnson City, Stephanie Bryant (Averil) Chaney of Johnson City, David and Alison Bryant of Knoxville, Victoria Starnes (Jason) Herron of Kingsport, Whitley Starnes of Kingsport. Great grandson, Mathis Chaney of Johnson City. One sister, Carolyn Sorah Neal of Kingsport. Brothers, Leroy (Mary) Sorah of Surgionsville, Rev. Ronald (Margaret) Sorah of Calhoun, Tennessee, Denny (Ronilla) Sorah of Kingsport and Rev. Larry (Kay) Sorah of Cleveland, Tennessee. Brother-in-laws, Paul E. Starnes of Gate City, VA, Roy “Buford” (Carolyn) Starnes, Clifford (Mary Ann) Starnes all of Bloomingdale and Mack Starnes of Church Hill. Sister-in-laws; Mary Browning and Allie-Mae Depew both of Kingsport. A number of nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services for Mrs. Starnes will be conducted on Wednesday December 4, 2013 at 7 p.m. from the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Sorah and Rev. Joseph Sorah officiating. Music will be provided by Rena’ & Doug Seymour and Kay Sorah. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will follow on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Memories of East Lawn Memorial Park. Those desiring to attend should assemble at the funeral home on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Nephews will serve as active pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue, P. O. Box 654, Blountville, Tennessee 37617 or to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.