Kathryn Elizabeth Thomas

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2pm at Collier Butler Funeral Home in Gadsden, AL. Visitation is from 1:00-2:00 pm, with David Powell of the Sand Rock church of Christ.

Kathryn was born to Cindy and Michael McGuire on February 28, 1989, in Charlotte, NC. At 8 weeks of age, she was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect and correction was difficult but achieved to its best degree. She graduated from Philips Academy in 2010. She also attended school at Clear Creek Elementary, Providence Rd Elementary School, Northeast Middle School, and Manus Academy, all in Charlotte, NC. She attended Central Piedmont Community College.

Katie was the absolute “spark” and sparkle of our family. She was loving, loyal, courageous, the best hugger. She never met a stranger. She was forgiving and tenderhearted. She showed the love and forgiveness the Father bestows upon us. She’s our heartbeat. To describe her is to use all the wonderful things in this world.

On June 1, 2019 (her Golden grandparent’s anniversary), Katie married the love of her life, Andrew Thomas. He was her everything….her knight in shining armor, her soulmate. It was the happiest day of her life.

Katie was a crafter. Her sisters taught her how to crochet and knit. She enjoyed making a variety of craft projects. She had a booth at The Crossing, in Abilene, TX, selling her creations.

She is preceded by her “SuperDad,” Michael David McGuire of Centre, AL as well as grandparents Bobby and Carol Golden of Southside, AL and Lillian Pauline Quarles McGuire of Gadsden, AL and Vestor Mickey McGuire, Ret Mstr Sargent, US Army of Birmingham.

She leaves to cherish and honor her memory: her beloved Andrew Thomas, Sr Airman, USAF of Abilene, TX, mother Cindy Golden McGuire of Centre, AL, brother David (Erin) of Piedmont, AL, sister Diana (Nathaniel), Easley, SC, niece Lillian Faith McGuire and nephew Aiden David McGuire of Piedmont, AL, her parents in love, Michael and Susan Thomas of Hendersonville, TN , her aunts, Vicky (Michael) Lamb and Christy (Ben) Morton, her uncle James (Jana) Golden, her chosen Mimi, Meri Russell of Abilene, Tx and her chosen aunt and uncle Tina and Mark Heatley of Charlotte, NC, as well a host of cherished and loved cousins.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dr Anton Melnyk and the staff of Texas Oncology in Abilene, Drs Anna Venardos, Scott Pilgrim, Dr Medani of Cook Children’s Hospital Adult Congenital Heart team and her friends at The Crossing in Abilene, TX.

Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities or flowers if preferred.

Special thanks to Drew Hagen, RN at Atrium Floyd in Rome, GA and her care team there; the teams that cared for her at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Sagar Dave, Dr Karen Conrad, Dr Thaler, the CVICU team, the ECMO team, RTs, PAs who diligently cared for her and the Pallative Care team who helped us navigate this difficulty time.

Visitation is from 1-2pm at Collier Butler on Saturday, May 9