Kathryn (Katie) Chitwood

Kathryn (Katie) Abernathy Chitwood passed away on February 9, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. Memorial services will be at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the First Methodist Church in Canyon with Rev. Rick Enns, pastor, officiating. Private burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon.

Katie was born in Leonard, Texas on June 25, 1924 to Thomas Leslie and Winnie Davis Abernathy. She graduated from Leonard High School and continued her education at Texas State College for Women, Denton, and graduated from there in 1945. After college, she worked in the Land and Lease Department of Magnolia Petroleum Company, Dallas, and later worked as secretary to the Assistant Comptroller.

On Easter Sunday afternoon, March 25, 1951, she married her favorite Texas Aggie, Rex Edward Chitwood, in the First Methodist Church, Leonard, Texas. They lived in Big Spring, Lewisville, and Olton, then moved to Canyon in 1967, when Rex was employed with the Texas Highways and Transportation Department in Amarillo.

Katie was secretary to the superintendent of Olton ISD, and the principal and business officer of Canyon High School. She retired as Evaluation Supervisor in the Registrar's Office at West Texas State University in August, 1981.

She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church, Canyon for 45 years, and enjoyed the Crusaders Sunday School Class while serving on various boards and committees within the church. Being a member of United Methodist Women for over 60 years, she participated on the local, district, and conference levels. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, University Study Club, and Dreamland Cemetery Board in Canyon.

Katie moved to Lubbock in September, 2012, and resided at Raider Ranch. At that time, she transferred her membership to First United Methodist Church, Lubbock. She again joined a Sunday School class which she thoroughly enjoyed – the H.I. Robinson Class.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark Edward Chitwood in 1981; her husband in 1998; brother T. L. Abernathy, Jr. in 1986; and sister Frances Abernathy in 2001.

She is survived by her daughter, Kay (Tab) Daniel of Lubbock; 3 grandsons, Kody Johnson of Littlefield, Kris Johnson of Fort Worth, and Kalder (Kara) Johnson of Lubbock; 6 great-grandchildren, Elliot Cox, Ledger Johnson, Henrietta Johnson, Judge Johnson, Milo Johnson, and Truett Johnson. She also considered the Daniel children and grandchildren a big part of her family. They were so kind to "Grandmom Katie."

The family would like to thank the special Hospice nurses, Olivia and Sarah, who were so supportive and loving during her time in Hospice; in addition, we are thankful for her caregiver, Amaris, who took great care of her during this last illness.

For those desiring, memorials may be given to First Methodist Church, 1818 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas 79015 or to Dreamland Cemetery Association, PO Box 38, Canyon, Texas 79015.