Cathy Kinser

Cathy Ann McClanahan Kinser, of Helena, Alabama, aged 72, went home surrounded by her 
beloved husband, Pete Kinser and her four daughters on March 7, 2023. Her life was a 
testimony to a quiet strength gifted from Christ. Her death leaving those who loved her 
rejoicing through tears that her goal to be with God was made manifest. 
Born in Paris, Lamar County, Texas, on October 31, 1950 to Samuel Luther and Laura Carleen 
Elizabeth Neese McClanahan who preceded her in death. Cathy was the sixth of seven children 
who were raised in Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her 
cherished brother Raymond McClanahan and sister Jan Shapard. She is survived by one brother, 
Carl McClanahan (Pam), and three sisters Karen Bledsoe (Dwight), Sharon McClanahan, and 
Debbie McClanahan. 

She graduated with honors from Shelbyville Central High School in 1968 and a week later 
became the bride of Pete Kinser, also of Shelbyville. It was this partnership that brought her the 
greatest joy. She loved Ed and Jewel Kinser as her own, along with Malinda Wilson, Dakin and 
Lana Kinser, and Tom and Kandee Walker. Pete and Cathy’s life together moved them across 
the world through 55 years. It was in him she found comfort, partnership, laughter, and a 
worthy sparring partner. He was the one and only love of her life and she saw him as her rock. 
It was Pete who brought the biggest smile to her face. It was his eyes she sought even to her 
last. She was a worthy partner and together they built a life full of adventure, hospitality to 
others and devotion to each other. 

Cathy was a teacher at heart who loved to read and share stories. Her Children, Andrea and 
Jason Johnson, Sara and Nathan Jones, Carli and Robert Stockton, and Katie and Keith Dickey 
were the benefactors of the best of her lessons. She taught them to put God first, to love each 
other with intention and grace, and how to make macaroni and cheese the very best way. She 
taught them that strength can be displayed best with a meek spirit and that there was power in 
a strongly worded letter. Her children learned that circumstances never had to dictate your 
attitude and that nothing was as healing as the way she said, “Bless your heart.” 
Claire Johnson, Noah Jones, Chase Johnson, Macy Jones, Chad and Mary Johnson, Molly Jones, 
Cody Johnson, Emma Jones, Jordon Jones, Bradyn Dickey, Sophia Stockton, Emery Dickey, 
Everett Stockton, Ava Dickey, Elijah Stockton and River Dickey all made their Grammy’s heart 
sing. They benefitted from her sweet unconditional love, seemingly endless supply of bacon, 
cinnamon twists and mini-donuts, as well as a love that saw only the good in them. Along with 
her great-grandson, Beren Johnson, and her archnemesis Roxy the Doxy, she leaves a legacy of 
love. 

She was an active member of Helena Church of Christ where her teaching spirit was active. She 
loved to share God’s love and encouragement to the women of the congregation, with a special 
place in her heart for the young women and girls. She loved them so. It was here that she met 
her beloved friend and chosen sister, Vallerie (Ray) Tate. Her faith in God through Christ gave 
her strength. 

Cathy was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor 
of Education. She taught for several years at Mitchell Nelson Primary School. She retired as an 
Arbitration Specialist with State Farm Insurance after twenty-five years. Whatever she set her 
mind to do, she did with excellence. Yet, her occupation was loving people and serving God. 
She made all she met feel like they were the most special person she knew. Her gift to this 
world, the lesson of sweet kindness and unconditional love. Among those she loved most were 
her many nieces and nephews and dear friends across the country.
There will be a celebration of her life on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Currie-Jefferson Funeral 
Home in Hoover, Alabama. The family will receive visitors at 9:00 a.m. with the memorial 
service to be held at 10:00 a.m. Cathy will be laid to rest at 3:00 in Willow Mount Cemetery, 
Shelbyville, Tennessee after a brief graveside service. The family will receive guests at a 
reception visitation following at the Walker Farm located at 289 Clyde Gleaves Road, Wartrace, 
Tennessee.

To honor her and the family, please share an act of kindness in her memory and your stories of 
her kindness with the family. Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Selections at 
Sacredselection.org.