Katie D. McCoy

Katie was the first person I ever cared for that I truly loved. She taught me so much and made me a better woman. Her knowledge of gardening and plants always had us talking. I used to spend an hour in her room- my only free hour of my day- just so we could talk. I’ll miss you forever Katie

Mama Kate was the best conversationalist. She was so interesting and interested in the world. She was one of the very few people with whom I found comfort after Michael died. I’m so grateful for the time I had with her. I’ll cherish the recipes she shared and her beautiful, hand painted, Christmas cards.

Yesterday I was on my walk in the local park. Two cardinals flew past me on my path and lighted on a nearby tree’s branch. I thought how unusual it was for me to see two, together. I always think of Michael when I see one cardinal on my walks. I then realized that the two cardinals represented Michael and Mama Kate. My heart filled with gratitude.

Katie was beautiful woman with a a talent for drawing and so much historical knowledge. We were blessed to have her in our family and in our lives. RIP Mrs Katie. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️❤️🙏🙏

When you meet the person you intend to marry they say take a long look at their mother, as that is what you most likely end up with. So before I ask her sweet Deborah to marry me I spent some time visiting Katie. I learned that she was part Indian. Her beautiful skin tone showed it. Her in depth knowledge of the past of Prairie Grove where she lived was amazing. For most of her life every two years she would participate in the civil war reenactment showing visitors how women of that time period cooked on an open fireplace. The Trail Of Tears ran a short distance from the west side of her farm and I could listen to her tell stories for hours so rich in history you would have thought she was there. She had a true passion for Indian people and felt a ashamed of how they had been treated. Also on her farm she allowed archaeological students to search for and find civil war relics. Many belt buckles, musket balls and the like were found. She would allow them to keep half. If she could help you learn from her knowledge base or draw from yours she didn’t waste the opportunity. One of my favorite quotes was given with each recipe, “oh it’s easy”. Since she did it all from scratch it was never easy but filled with love. I spent four days with Katie and realized that she had raised a daughter with every good habit she had and no bad ones. So I married her. It’s been a pleasure to be treated like a son instead of a son in law. She will be missed.

I know Katie mostly through memories of our mutual friend, Tana Lemons Holder. Katie and I recently texted one another about a jelly recipe—and it is delicious. Sincere sympathy to those who loved her, and those who she loved.

It was such a privilege to be one of Katie’s caretakers. Her smile was genuine, laughter infectious, her opinions strong & one could not help but respect her for being absolutely honest & forthcoming. Protective of those who could not speak up for themselves, she will be greatly missed by all.

I will always remember Katie for her kindness and hospitality. She will be missed for sure. I will always think of her when the Irises, she gave me a few years ago, bloom into a beautiful purple.

Until we meet again Katie!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Deborah, I have so many memories of our High School Days and being at your house and Momma Katie lining us out on what we needed to do. Her laughter filled the house and seems like she was in the kitchen a lot. And she was the only woman I knew that could smell a snake before we could ever see it (while we were out looking for limbs, willows and whatever she needed to make baskets). She was so proud of you and your siblings and I know she loved y’all more than anything. Praying for you sweet friend. Love you bunches!~ Tammy