Mary Katherine Alford (Kathy), wife of Kenneth W. Alford passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Kathy and her parents, Cecil and Louise McNatt and sister, Frankie moved to Dyersburg from Jackson, TN in 1950 and started attending Hillcrest Baptist Church. She graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1958. After that, she enrolled in a 3-month Airline Office Communication course in Minneapolis. She had started dating Ken in the summer of 1958 and after she completed her course, she accepted a job with Eastern Airlines in Atlanta and Ken was a student at Georgia Tech (how convenient). They continued their romance and were married August 12, 1959. Kathy continued working for Eastern and in 1960, on the day of Ken's last exam, their first son Greg was born on September 3.

From Atlanta, they made their way back to Dyersburg where Ken was employed at Dyersburg Fabrics. Ken had a military obligation and their family moved to Anniston, AL. for 6 months and then to Edgewood, MD. for a year. Back to Dyersburg and finding a home on Victory Street, which was their favorite place to ever live. Over the next few years, Trent and Paul were born to add to all the other 62 kids on Victory Street. Ken continued his job at the "Mill" completing 34 years of service. The family moved to Weslake Avenue in 1969, which is still the family home.

In 1972, when Paul started school, Kathy enrolled at Dyersburg State Community College obtaining her associates degree. Kathy continued her education at the University of Tennessee Martin where she earned a BS of Business Administration. She then attended the University of Memphis, where she earned a Master's in Education. Some of Kathy's favorite times were in the 10 years teaching office careers with Emma Reynolds at Dyersburg State.

Kathy played the piano and organ at Hillcrest for 40 plus years. She also served as Vacation Bible School Principal for 4 years. Kathy also found time to be in a garden club and a bridge club, where she enjoyed many hours of good friends, including her best friend, Nancy Stanfield from Victory Street. Ken and Kathy enjoyed traveling with friends and after retirement in 1995, they were able to complete a goal of visiting all 50 states, plus3 trips to Europe. She had a wonderful life and nine grandchildren added to her joy.

Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Hillcrest Baptist Church with Mr. Skip Carnell and Rev. Phil Hall officiating. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family will begin to receive visitors at 2 p.m. until service time at the church.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Kenneth Alford of Dyersburg, TN; two sons, Trent Alford and wife, Jennifer, of Jackson, TN and Paul Alford of Dyersburg, TN; and nine grandchildren, Dr. Hayden Alford (Dr. Hannah), Megan Donovan (Robert), Steven Alford, Blake Alford, Aiken Alford, Alli Alford, Dr. Kathleen Alford, Mary Kate Flatman (Taylor) and Anna Alford.

In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by a son, Greg Alford (Mary Lee); and a sister, Frankie Maples.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be directed to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 825 Hillcrest Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 38024 or to the Alzheimer's Association at www.act.alz.org .

Dyersburg Funeral Home would like to give our condolences to the family of Mary Katherine Alford.