Katherine Laura Lake

Katherine L. Lake, lovingly known as "Kat", "Gram", and, to her husband, Sammy, his favorite "Mrs. Kathy," passed away peacefully at her home on July 8, 2026. Born on April 30, 1940, in Nashville, Tennessee, she was 86 years old.

Kat's story began on her grandparents' farm, "Melrose & Lannom Brothers Dairy," where she spent the early years of her life. Even as a young woman, her gifts and promise were recognized. In 1954, she received the Bishop Memorial Scholarship and was published in the Baptist Reflector, the Tennessee Baptist Convention news journal.

After graduating from high school in 1958, Kat married the love of her life, Sammy Lake. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage and built a life centered around love, family, and lasting memories. Kat's desire to care for others led her to Belmont, where she pursued nursing and earned her R.N. degree. Her career was marked by many awards and accomplishments, reflecting the dedication she brought to helping others. She remained connected to the friendships and memories of her younger years and served as chairperson of the Donelson High School Class of 1958 reunion.

Kat embraced life and loved being involved. She found joy in crafting, losing herself in a good book, traveling, shopping, and, most of all, spending time with her friends and family. She will be remembered for the full life she lived and for the many ways she shared that life with the people she loved.

Kat was preceded in death by her mother, Sara Sellers; her father, George Lannom; her brother, George Lannom Jr.; and her son-in-law, Troy Myers. Kat leaves behind her loving husband, Sammy Lake; her daughters, Tammy Myers and Tina Spires; her son-in-law, Leonard Spires; her grandchildren, Lake Myers, Ashley Wood, Cody Spires, and Michael Myers; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory forward.

Pallbearers will be Logan Spires, Cody Spires, Leonard Spires, Paul Wood, Lake Myers, and Michael Myers. The Donelson High School Class of 1958 will serve as honorary pallbearers.

A service honoring Kat's life will be held at Hermitage Funeral Home. Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM with the service immediately following in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home. Pastor Jonathan Jennings of LaGuardo Baptist Church will lead the service. Following the service, Kat will be laid to rest in the Garden of Gethsemane at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.