Katherine Neill Herran

“Kathy”

Kathy Herran, of Charlotte, died Wednesday, November 30, 2011 after a long and valiant struggle with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her family, in her own home which is where she wanted to be. Born August 3, 1951 in Gastonia, NC, Kathy was the daughter of the late Jean Webb Neill and the late David Moore Neill. In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Rafael Castellanos Herran, and his daughter, Kathy’s sister-in-law, Rose Eleanor Herran of Charlotte. She was also predeceased by her grandparents, Buren Shuford Neill, Elizabeth McComb Neill, Richard Halbert Webb and Mary Belle Cannon Webb, all of Kings Mountain, NC.

Kathy was educated at Cotswold Elementary School, McClintock Junior High School and East Mecklenburg High School, graduating in 1969. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1973 and was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She was a loyal Gamecocks and Georgia Tech fan. Kathy was an avid runner and cycler and played tennis for the Fairmeadows Tennis Team for many years. She loved to hike the mountains around Chetola and Grandfather Mountain near Blowing Rock, NC, and run along the beaches of Crescent Beach, SC. Her favorite place was to be on the deck of the family’s Sixpence Cottage at Crescent Beach surrounded by family and friends, sitting in the rocking chairs, enjoying the sun and breeze and the camaraderie.

Kathy was an award winning author of two books highlighting the roles of women in American history: They Married Confederate Officers and They Dared to Roar. She enjoyed presenting her research and books to many book clubs and historical venues. She was a student and accomplished author of local history, providing valuable information about the founding of our city and Davidson College, her father’s Alma Mater. She served as a valued Board member and as the Program Co-Chair of the Mecklenburg Historical Association. She scheduled many interesting programs to the delight of the members. She was a devoted historian and wonderful citizen of this community, following in the footsteps of her illustrious ancestors. Kathy also served on the Board of The Old Mecklenburg Genealogical Society. She was an active member of the Colonel Adam Alexander Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and served as an officer in both the Mecklenburg Chapter of DAR and the District III DAR.

As a devoted Christian and lifelong member of Providence United Methodist Church (as were her parents) and the Chipley Bible Class, Kathy studied God’s Word daily and lovingly served others as a Stephen Minister, Friendship Trays volunteer, and Sunday School teacher.

A retired CMS teacher, Kathy taught at Oaklawn Elementary School, Harding High School, and substitute taught at Sharon Elementary and Charlotte Country Day School. In addition to all of her activities, Kathy excelled at entertaining her family and friends, of whom she had many.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, Peter Rafael Herran; son, Peter David Herran, his wife Lisa, and their two beautiful daughters, Angelina (Lina) and Kaelyn; daughter, Cannon Herran Hunt, her husband Charlie, and their three adorable sons, Deane, Dylan and Daniel; three loving sisters, Elizabeth (Libby) Neill Sturgis and her husband Gerald, their sons, Forrest, Mark and Alex; Allison Neill Richardson and her husband David, their daughters, Kate and Beth; Stephanie Neill Harner and her husband Rob, their children, Sarah Blair and David; her brothers-in-law, Vince W. Herran and his wife Michelle and their children, Leigh and Greg; R. Mike Herran and his wife Diane and their children, Jonathan and Jenna. In addition, Kathy is survived by her step mother, Cleone Blair Neill and her mother-in-law, Jean Herran King. Kathy was the loving matriarch of a large family encompassing many aunts, uncles and cousins and will be fondly remembered for the years of love and laughter shared by all who knew her. Kathy had the wonderful ability to make and keep many friends, none of whom ever felt any less than a part of her extended family.

Much appreciation is given to the entire medical community involved in her care for the past year.

Her family will receive friends at Harry and Bryant Company, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011. A celebration of her life will be held at Providence United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2011, led by her friend and Senior Associate Pastor, Dr Bill Jeffries. A visitation will follow in the Atrium. Inurnment in the Columbarium of the church will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Research, Clinical Trials, Blumenthal Cancer Center, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28232 or to the charity of the donor’s choosing.