Katherine "Kay" Horner

Katherine "Kay" Horner, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 88 years old. She will be remembered as the greatest mother to her children and grandmother to her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their spouses. A week before her death she met and held her new great-great-grandson. She married her husband Joe in 1954 and together they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. They raised three children who were forever grateful for their mother's love and devotion.

Growing up in South Knoxville, Kay graduated from South High and also attended the University of Tennessee. While at South High she was a majorette, cheerleader, active in the Thespian Club, Junior Carousel, sports queen and class commencement speaker. Years later she served on the board of directors of the Florence Crittenton Agency, was a Bijou Theater Limelighter and also enjoyed being a chaperone for the 1983 Miss USA Pageant.

Over the past 30 years she dedicated her time to being a major caregiver for several family members. Before their health declined she and Joe attended First Baptist Church of Concord.

She is preceded in death by her cherished husband Joe, who she loved for over 70 years after meeting him in junior high school. She was the youngest daughter born to Frank and Katherine Miller and lost a sister, Roberta (Bobbye) Miller Francis. She never forgot the anguish of losing her youngest son, Herbert (Herby) Horner to cancer at 49.

Her surviving family members include her daughter, Katrina and son-in-law James (Bucky) Fox; son, Wendell Horner; grandchildren, Renee (Mitch) Lee, Daniel (Jennifer) Horner, Sam (Kim) Horner, Matthew Horner, Katie Horner, Haley Horner, Travis Fox; great-grandchildren, Anna (Jamie) Halcomb, Joseph Horner, Katelyn Rimmer, Isaac, Wren, Elodie, Jude Horner, Jayci Coker, Mylie Horner, Cailor Hundley; great-great-grandson, Axel Halcomb, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Dementia may have robbed her family of more time and love from a precious mother and grandmother, but it cannot erase all of the wonderful memories that inspire them to try to live up to her example. Her christian life was as beautiful as the influence she had on her family and anyone that met her. Her greatest joy was loving her family.

Family and friends will gather to honor the life and legacy of Kay at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920, with a receiving of friends on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a funeral service to follow at 7:00pm. Family and friends will gather at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920, at 11:00am for the committal service Dr. Jon Cormack to officiate the services, pallbearers will be the grandsons and great-grandsons. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Horner family at www.berryfuneralhome.com