Mary Katherine Walburn

Mary Katherine “Kathy” Walburn, age 85, of Wellston, entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior on December 7, 2025, after several years of declining health. Born March 1, 1940, she was the beloved oldest daughter of the late Wilfred B. “Bill” Phillips and Carrie Jane Kelley Phillips, delivered at home by Dr. Ada Willis—the only female doctor in Wellston at that time.

Kathy grew up surrounded by faith and family, spending most of her childhood in the cherished home of her maternal grandparents, Ernest and Florence Kelley, to whom she remained deeply devoted throughout her life.

A 1958 graduate of Wellston High School, Kathy was a member of Dane Heitzman’s Wellston Marching Rockets playing the flute, and she joyfully lifted her voice in the school choir. As the eldest daughter of eight children, she lovingly helped raise her younger siblings, who knew her affectionately as “Sissy.” Throughout her lifetime she was the family’s natural organizer—coordinating celebrations, cooking holiday dinners, and hosting unforgettable New Year’s Eve gatherings filled with laughter, dancing, music, and the comfort foods she was famous for.

Kathy began her early working years at the very first Dairy Queen in Wellston, much to the excitement of her younger brothers and sister. She later served for decades at The First National Bank of Wellston, expertly learning every role and becoming the lead operator of the bank’s first computer system. She retired in 2002, respected and appreciated for her diligence, intelligence, and steady presence.

Kathy was baptized into the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston, where she remained a lifelong member. She served there as a Deacon, sang joyfully in the choir, and helped lead worship songs—her clear voice echoing her unwavering love for God. “How Great Thou Art,” especially the Elvis Presley version, was among her most beloved hymns, a song she joyfully sang both in church and at home.

Kathy married Virgil Lee “Sam” Craig in June of 1964, a union blessed with four children. Sam passed away suddenly in 1974 after 10 years of marriage. Years later, she married Larry Walburn, with whom she shared 48 years of faithful marriage until his passing in May of 2025.

Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and the family she built and nurtured. She was known best as “Mom,” but treasured even more the name “Nanny.” She was a gentle, faithful, remarkably intelligent woman who suffered much in life yet asked for very little. She loved her family richly and deeply. She smiled every time she spoke of her children, and she delighted in her grandchildren—singing, laughing, and lovingly spoiling them. “You Are My Sunshine” will forever echo in their memories.

Her kitchen was a place of welcome and comfort—rum and Cokes with a twist, pretzel salad, BBQ weenies, hash brown casserole, and her famous brownies that always disappeared first. She kept life simple. She kept it loving. At her table, everyone was fed, everyone was comforted, and everyone was family.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Kelley Craig Wood, Carrie Craig Denney, Karen Jayjohn (husband Jeffery), and Michael Craig (wife Susan); along with her beloved grandchildren, Lesley Spires, Alexis Henry, Ashlyn Culbertson, Alyssa Williams, Sam Denney, Phillip Craig and Garrett Craig and great-grandchildren, Josiah Williams, Uriah Williams, Damian Beach, and Zuri Beach, each of whom she adored beyond measure. Kathy is also survived by her siblings: Maxx Phillips of Wellston; Brook Phillips (Debbie) of Jackson; and Kim Frisby (Gregg) of Yorktown; her sister-in-law Zofia Phillips of Chattanooga, TN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and members of her church family.

Kathy loved all of her grandchildren but held a special place in her heart for her oldest granddaughter, Lesley Anne Spires, whom she lovingly called her sunshine. Lesley devoted herself to caring for both Kathy and Larry in their final years, offering not only physical support but gentle companionship, laughter, patience, and the kind of love that cannot be taught—only lived. The family also wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Danielle Royster, whose compassionate nursing care, steady presence, and kindness brought comfort to both Kathy and Larry as their health declined. Their dedication will forever be remembered with gratitude.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Alivia Freeman, and brothers Robert Phillips (Paulette), Bruce Phillips, and infant brothers Wilfred Barrington Phillips, Jr. and Michael Kelley Phillips.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who shared quiet moments, gentle prayers, and peaceful visits during her final months. Although her earthly body grew tired, her spirit remained strong, faithful, and rooted in God’s promise of eternal peace. When her last breath on Earth was taken, Heaven rejoiced at her arrival.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12, from 6:00–8:00 PM at R.M. Williams Funeral Service,120 W. Broadway St., Wellston; and again, on Saturday, December 13, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at The First Presbyterian Church of Wellston, where a funeral service will follow commencing at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor John Pelletier officiating. Burial will then follow in Ridgewood Cemetery, Wellston.

In addition, friends and family will be welcomed at the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston parish hall following the funeral.

Please visit www.rmwilliamsfuneralservice.com to leave a message of comfort, encouragement, or condolence to the family or to view Kathy’s online video tribute.

R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, is honored to care for Kathy and her family.