Her vibrant personality and contributions were celebrated in grand fashion. She proudly served as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Noxapater Christmas Parade and, alongside Mrs. Tenie Quinn, reigned as Queen of the Noxapater Mardi Gras in the 2023 parade. At age 90, she rode in a Corvette convertible, tossing beads and miniature moon pies with enthusiasm and flair, a testament to her spirited nature and zest for life.
Mrs. Kemp became a Registered Nurse in 1953 after graduating from the Rush Hospital School of Nursing in Meridian, Mississippi. Her nursing career began at Neshoba County Hospital, and she often joked about never needing to fill out a job application. Her nursing school roommate, Christine Fulton, once told her that a hospital board member had promised Christine a job after graduation. Katie quipped, “Get me a job too,” and Christine did just that. Among Katie’s most cherished experiences as an RN were the three medical mission trips she undertook to Honduras, where she treated and ministered to those in need. Being a nurse was more than just a job to Katie—it was who she was.
Katie's love for sports started early as a member of her high school basketball team and continued throughout her life. She avidly followed women’s college and professional basketball, collegiate football and baseball, golf, and the NFL. Her meticulous attention to detail shone in her ability to create flawless baseball scorecards. Beyond sports, Katie excelled in outdoor pursuits. She was an excellent markswoman and a skilled fisherwoman. Additionally, Katie was a Master Gardener who spent countless volunteer hours working in the flower beds and the landscaping at Estes Park in Noxapater.
A family legend was born about 15 years ago when her grandsons harvested a deer in her field. Calling her for help loading it, they were awestruck when she arrived, expertly field-dressed the deer, and transported it home—all with her trademark competence and no-nonsense approach.
In 1955, Katie married the love of her life, William Thomas (Bill) Kemp, Jr. Bill died in 1989 and she missed him every day. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Mary George and Dr. William Miles.
Mrs. Kemp is survived by her children: William Thomas Kemp, III (Diane); Dr. Pamela Kaye Kemp (Barbara); Mary Ann Jones (Dr. Mike), and her honorary daughter, Penny Barrier (Hugh). Her grandchildren were a source of joy and she cherished her role as their grandmother. They include Caroline Kemp (Toby), Dr. Thomas Khazanov (Dan), Carter Kemp (Dr. Kaley), Wailes Kemp (Grace), and Amy Claire Jones. Katie was overjoyed to meet and cuddle her two great-grandchildren: Charlotte Anne Kemp, daughter of Carter and Kaley, and Thomas Wailes Kemp, Jr., son of Wailes and Grace. She often remarked that one of her greatest life pleasures was witnessing her grandchildren grow into successful and happy adults and meeting their children.
Katie is also survived by her loyal and greatly loved dog, Ellie, who now resides contentedly in Metairie, Louisiana.