Katharine Roberts Dennison

Katharine was an Atlanta native, born June 27, 1926. She attended Morningside Elementary, O’Keefe Junior High, Girls’ High and UGA. Her musical talent was recognized early as she was selected in 1945 to be the Concert Mistress of the Atlanta Youth Symphony, the founding organization for today’s Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She made sure that all her children pursued some musical training, and later in life participated in the St. James UMC music program in their choir, accompanying string group and bells choir.

Katharine married Dr. David Dennison in 1946, and together they raised eight children. Katharine was involved in all phases of their education and extra-curricular activities, including music, dance, scouting and sports and in many roles on PTAs and booster clubs. Katharine particularly loved spending time with her family at their cabin at Lake Rabun.

Katharine was devoted to her husband David throughout his career as a physician in Atlanta. She was active in the Women’s Auxiliary to the Fulton County Medical Association, including a term as President. Her tenure included renovation and redecoration of the Medical Arts building and her development and participation in a puppet show presented at elementary schools, warning of the dangers of drugs.

Katharine was active for over 50 years in a book club and a study club, and had many hobbies, including sewing, gardening, cooking, decorating, antiques and tennis. She also earned her real estate license. She enjoyed traveling abroad to purchase antiques for her antique shop, Kay's Cupboard. She also traveled regularly to help her children as each of her 21 grandchildren were born.

With all her smarts and talents, her proudest achievements were supporting her husband and nurturing her children, loving them unconditionally while persistently pushing them to each achieve their potential. She set a high standard for doing well, with grace and a generous heart. Her parting words were usually “Be Sweet." It is clear she listened to her own advice.

Katharine is preceded in death by her beloved parents Ben & Katharine Roberts; her siblings Frances Smith, Toni Floyd and Ben Roberts; and daughters Denise Fulford and Angel Dennison.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. David Dennison, sister, Verdery Cunningham, and children Lucile Clotfelter, David Dennison, Cookie Daniel, Holly Kelly, Meri Pitts and Jeanie Cupp, 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and many nephews, nieces and their children.

Katharine will be missed terribly, but we are fortunate to have known and loved her and blessed to have been loved by her.

Memorial services celebrating the life will be conducted on Saturday, the 16th of January at three o’clock in the afternoon at H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. The family will receive friends Saturday from two o’clock until the hour of service at the funeral home.