Katheryne Elizabeth Chappell Drennon

Katheryne Elizabeth Chappell Drennon passed away on September 14, 2013, surrounded by loved ones. “Kitty” was born in Albemarle, North Carolina and graduated from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC at the age of 20. Her life was driven by and dedicated to LOVE; love of her mother, her lovely daughter, her children and grandchildren, her beloved husband Bill, her plethora of friends, her schools, and the expression of beauty in art, literature, music, interior decorating, and gardening. Kitty was the founder of the first privately owned child care center in an office park setting in the United States, Chappell Child Development Centers. She was a devout patron of the arts, music and literature; and notable philanthropic fundraiser. She was known throughout the city as a championship tennis player, a runway and photography model, and a member of the Jacksonville Perpetual Best Dressed List. She lived a remarkable life and affected countless people, loved ones and strangers, in infinite ways. Kitty was preceded in death by her husbands, Bill Drennon, and Robert Byrd. She is survived by children, Lynne' Byrd Harris Tialios (Yannis), Richard Thomas Byrd, Victor Henry Byrd (Jill); daughter-in-law, Peggy McDaniel; step-daughter, Kate Byrd Blount; chosen daughter, Elaine Johnson; grandchildren, Christopher Thomas Byrd, Courtney Chappell Byrd (soon to be Swafford), Lesli Byrd Wicker, Lauren Chappell Harris, and Brent Alan Harris; special friend, Yancey Montgomery and his children/grandchildren; brother, Henry Carson Chappell; nephews and nieces, Kit Chappell (Alisa), Dale Chappell, Dwayne Chappell (Kathy), Pam Stevens, Eugene Stevens (Cindy); lifelong caregiver, Carmel Fluitt; and many, many special adoring friends, and her admiring and respectful Chappell staff. She truly left a legacy, and will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 5 – 7pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 11am at St. John’s Cathedral, 256 E. Church St., in Jacksonville. Entombment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS, HENDRICKS CHAPEL, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207.