Kathryn Holder Stanford

Kathryn ("Kitty") Holder Stanford died on August 3, 2017. A gifted singer, teacher, artist, innovator, and coach, Kitty embodied meaningful "works" with compassion. Her love for Earnie Stanford, her husband for 63 years, provided the foundation for their work with churches, youth groups, schools, friends and community. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Kitty grew up in Ensley, a section of the city built on TCI and countless other steel mills. Her mother, Robbie Holder, taught college English, ran machinery during World War II, and oversaw countless community and church events. Kitty's father, John Calvin ("JC") Holder, worked at L&N Railroad as a designer of wood interiors of high-end railroad cars, played "tough" baseball, and sang and played the trumpet for a railroad combo and their church. Their mixture of music, sports, non-stop activity and overall innovation, best explains Kitty's enthusiasm for life. Kitty began singing as a youngster at the nearby Baptist Church. Her voice caught the attention of a local instructor who taught her the mechanics of music and vocals. Kitty appears to have been the first vocalist on local Birmingham TV, at least according to her mother. In high school, Kitty began her on-stage performing appearing in different musicals and choral works. (She also developed eyes for Earnie, two years older and senior class president.) Kitty attended Birmingham Southern where she studied drama and music. While starring in a number of musicals, Kitty benefitted from the tutorial of Dr. Lara Hoggard, a celebrated choral director. This time Kitty captured the attention of Earnie, now the basketball point guard and baseball catcher for BSU. Earnie traveled to see Kitty perform roles ranging from Alice in Alice and Wonderland and the Makido. He was smitten and they became inseparable. Kitty entered the Miss Alabama contest in 1950. She was selected runner-up the year Yolande Betbeze won Miss Alabama and Miss American. Kitty was the favorite to win next year's Miss Alabama, but she and Earnie married on March 16, 1951. Thus, Kitty and Earnie began a pattern of music, sports, community, and innovation all based on their value of family. Following graduation, Kitty began teaching music at West End Elementary School while Earnie coached at Ensley High School. In 1952, Kitty and Earnie had her first son, Ray, in 1954 her second son, Cal, and in 1957 their only daughter, Karen. For the next 50 years, Kitty and Earnie focused on family and community. Earnie's work took them to Georgia, New Jersey, back to Alabama, North Carolina and a final return to Alabama. At each location, Kitty would teach music, sing in the local choir, and perform in regional musicals. She always found time to participate in sports especially golf and tennis. (Being only 5 feet tall, she developed an amazing swing that could sometimes outdistance Earnie. Her response, "Look at the rocks, they are beautiful" only added the Earnie's bruised ego. Cal, their second son, became an accomplished golfer probably to rehabilitate Earnie's golfing confidence.) After sending all children to multiple colleges, Kitty and Earnie retired to Fairhope, Alabama to live near their daughter Karen and her family. Kitty dutifully sang and directed the church choir and Earnie continued his 50-year practice of teaching Sunday School. Kitty continued her love of painting in Fairhope and developed flair for 21st century impressionism, at least, her version. Kitty is survived by her children; Ray (Cathy) Stanford of Atlanta, GA, Cal (Martha) Stanford of Florence, AL and Karen (Roy) Haywood of Fairhope, AL. She is also survived by eight grandchildren Casey (Sean) Zintel, Diana Stanford, Leslie Stanford, John Stanford, Adam (Jordan) Haywood, Drew Stanford, Nathan Haywood, Kyndall Haywood and two great-grandchildren, Calleigh Zintel and Colin Zintel. Funeral Services will be held at Elmwood Chapel, Birmingham AL on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm until time of the service. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, AL. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Music Ministry of Mountain Chapel United Methodist Church in Birmingham, AL or to the Music Ministry of Fairhope United Methodist Church in Fairhope, AL.