Kathryn Ann Lea's Obituary
Kathryn (Kathy) Ann Lea was born January 1, 1951, in Washington D.C, to John S. and Mildred V. Lea. Upon Completion of their military service at the Pentagon, they returned to Little Rock, Arkansas, for a period before settling in Doraville, Georgia, where Kathy called home.
Kathy graduated from Sequoyah High School and attend the University of Georgia before returning home to marry her High School Sweetheart. She went to work in a small family-owned drug store, unaware it would lead to a 40-year career working as an executive assistant at Pike Family Nursery. The Pike Family, and her co-workers, became her adopted family and she loved them dearly and they loved her.
Kathy was a generous and gentle soul. She cared deeply about her friends, family, and pets, and often sacrificed her own wellbeing to help others. It was terribly important to her that she remembered everyone’s Birthday or Anniversary, and would always send a card or a gift.
She also had a photographic memory and could remember events in great detail, and was quick to correct those of us that couldn’t. This gift however was invaluable if you needed historical information on most any subject. Kathy was a good storyteller and enjoyed games, music, old movies, reading, and time with friends. Most knew better than to challenge her to a game of trivia. Finally, if you spent any time with her at all, you know she loved her Georgia Bulldogs.
After her illness, Kathy moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas, so her family could assist with her care. She fought hard and successfully for four and a half years and surpassed all odds and expectations of her cancer diagnosis.
Kathy is survived by her brother, John S. Lea III (Deidre) of Springdale, one niece, Amanda Dorton (Tyler) and her great nieces, Mia and Ava Dorton of Fayetteville, her nephews, Daniel Lea and Andrew Lea (Sasha) of Fayetteville, and many lifelong friends in the Atlanta area, especially the Pike Family. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Mildred V. Lea and John S. Lea Jr. and her partner Steve Conrad.
The family will host a visitation Wednesday June 11, 2025, from 5:00-7:00pm at Nelson
Berna Funeral Home, 4520 N. Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, AR, 72703. There will be graveside service, to be announced at a later time, at Tulip Cemetery, Tulip Arkansas where she will be laid to rest next to her mother and father.
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