Kathleen "Kathy" Reisner

Kathleen (Kathy) was born on November 13th, 1937, in Clanton, Alabama, to Pearlie and Rollis Mims. A dedicated student, she achieved straight A’s and earned a perfect attendance award, all while helping her family on their farm. Despite her rural upbringing, she knew from an early age that she wanted to be away from the farm and in the city with a different way of life.

Kathy met the love of her life, Theodore (Ted) Roosevelt Reisner, Sr., and together they built a life in Birmingham. Introduced to his true Midwestern family, she immediately learned their ways of cooking and celebrating life.

Kathy and Ted were the proud parents of Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt Reisner, Jr., and Rollis (Rod) Edward Reisner. She was devoted to her family and loved her stepdaughters, Darlene Real Higginbotham and Debby Jane Rose as her own.

In her younger years, Kathy was always in her element when cooking and baking, where her red velvet cakes and peanut butter fudge became legends. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome in her home, spoiling family and friends with her hospitality and impeccable breakfasts featuring freshly squeezed orange juice and perfectly poached eggs. She found joy and camaraderie in playing bridge with her friends and the years of Little League with Teddy and shuttling Rod to political events kept her happily involved in her sons' busy teen-age lives.

After losing Ted in 1987, some years later Kathy moved back to Clanton to be with her parents and sisters, building a lovely home on the land deeded to the family from her father. There, she delighted in reconnecting with her roots, sharing time with her sisters, and returning to Birmingham on occasion to embrace her role as “Nana” to her granddaughter, Cecilia Jane Reisner. Together, they had endless laughs and adventures.

After surviving aneurysm surgery, Kathy made the heartfelt decision to return to Birmingham, moving back to Brentwood Drive, where her journey with Ted had begun.

It was an honor for her sons to share her last years, as she divided her time between their homes in Bluff Park and Forest Park. She thrived, rediscovering her love of reading and even receiving a treasured personal note and signed book from favorite author, Sandra Brown. She never missed an Atlanta Braves game or a chance to cheer on the Crimson Tide. Rod helped begin her day with her favorite cup of coffee, as she played Wordle, often solving it in two tries! Teddy and Rod shared time, shuttling her to personal appointments each week, keeping her active. She shared many meals and watched Wheel of Fortune with Michele’s parents, Carl and Rita. She loved checking on family through Find My Friends and was thrilled to report on Cecilia's whereabouts in New York, Teddy's golf games and meals at his favorite meat-and-three, and Rod’s work travel.

Kathy’s legacy is one of boundless kindness, resilience, and devotion to her family. She leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting example of a life well-lived. Her warmth, generosity, and zest for life will be deeply missed.

Kathleen is predeceased by her beloved husband, Theodore Roosevelt Reisner Sr.; siblings, Billie Gene Mims, Jolene Mims Cleckler, Gearldean Mims Harris; and granddaughter Nikki Marie Rose.

She is survived by her boys, Theodore Roosevelt Reisner, Jr. (Cherri), Rollis Edward Reisner (Michele); and granddaughter, Cecilia Jane Reisner.

She is also survived by her stepdaughters, Darlene Real Higginbotham (Steve), Debby Jane Rose; grandchildren, Tracy Real Vebber (Brett), Rachel Real Poovey (Michael), Richard Real (Kelli), Tonya Rose Brady (Neil), TJ Rose (Cyndi), Drew Rose (Kinsey), Dana Rose Coale (Justin), Debby Rose Gettle (Ryan); nephew Kerry Harris-Nolan (Tom); and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Pallbearers are Lee Beyer, Bobby Hudson, Colin Luke, Steve Rueve, Mark Waddell, and Scott Waddell. Honorary pallbearers are Barry Hudson and Sonny Russo.

A visitation will be held Thursday, January 9th, 2025, 12 PM at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, in Homewood, Alabama, followed by a memorial service at 1 PM. Graveside at Elmwood Cemetery to follow.

In loving memory of Kathy, her family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Girls Inc. of Central Alabama. Their mission of empowering young girls reflects Kathy's lifelong commitment to uplifting others. Your generosity will help continue her legacy of love and encouragement, empowering future generations of girls.