Known affectionately as Kathy to her family and friends and as “Casey” throughout the towing community, she lived a life marked by determination, independence, hard work, and a spirit that left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Kathy met her husband, Randy Clyde Hemphill, in Michigan, and the two married in 1972. Together, they built a life, raised a family, and shared more than five decades of memories, challenges, and accomplishments.
For approximately fifty years, Kathy played an important role in the family towing business, serving as an owner and co-owner of Randy’s Towing alongside her husband. She also worked with Randy’s family in their AMOCO gas station businesses in Michigan. Whether she was behind the wheel of a tow truck, managing business operations, or handling the many responsibilities of a family business, Kathy was never afraid of hard work.
In 1987, the family moved to Alabama before returning to Michigan in 1990. Later throughout her career, Kathy also worked at Art Van Furniture and later Chase Bank, bringing her strong work ethic and determination wherever life took her.
In her younger years, Kathy was outgoing, energetic, adventurous, and full of life. She enjoyed staying busy, embraced new experiences, and possessed a strong-willed personality that made her unforgettable.
Throughout her life, Kathy also carried struggles that were not always visible to others. Growing up in a generation when emotional and mental health challenges were rarely spoken about openly, she faced many of life’s difficulties quietly. Her journey was not always easy, but her struggles never told the whole story of who she was. She was a woman deserving of compassion, understanding, and love through every chapter of her life.
Above all, Kathy was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was filled with moments of joy and hardship, laughter and tears, and memories that will remain with those who loved her.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Randy Clyde Hemphill; her daughter, Catina “Tina” Hemphill, and son-in-law, Michael Compton; her son, Stephen “Steve” Hemphill, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Kaina; her grandchildren, Savannah Hemphill and Stephen Hemphill II; Savannah’s longtime partner, Jordan; her sisters, Anna Joyce England (Crawford) and Patricia Haggard; her brother, Jimmy Crawford; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Douglas and Marjorie Crawford.
In her final years, Kathy faced tremendous health challenges and endured more than anyone should have to bear. Yet her life was so much more than the pain she experienced. She was the young woman full of energy and adventure, the hardworking businesswoman behind the wheel of a tow truck, and the grandmother whose presence meant so much to those closest to her.
As her loved ones say goodbye, may they remember her with compassion for the battles she fought, gratitude for the memories she leaves behind, and love for the woman she was throughout every chapter of her life.
After a lifetime spent helping others along the road, Kathy’s own long journey has finally come to rest.
May she find the peace, comfort, and freedom from pain that she so deeply deserves.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever at peace.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm, with a 6:00 pm service, at Kaul Funeral Home 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.
