Kathy Kearns Montgomery

Kathy K. Montgomery, 60, went to be with her Heavenly Father Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018.

She was born May 26, 1958, in Asheboro, to Earl Erastus Kearns and Hazel Marie Wright Kearns. She was preceded in death by both parents; a brother, Timothy E. Kearns; and a granddaughter, Avery Marie.

She graduated from Asheboro High School, where she was very active in the 4-H community, and also where she met many of her lifelong friends (the "high school girls"). She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and amazing grandmother ("Mawmaw") to three beautiful girls, Avery, Piper and Hazel. She loved her family and her career. Kathy graduated from North Carolina State University with double majors in engineering; she later got her masters in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T. She truly thrived and excelled in numerous engineering positions, most recently as a quality control operations manager. She always valued education and was a lifelong learner.

Having spent most of her adult life after marriage on Lake Norman, while raising Lauren and Sarah, Kathy looked forward to weekends on the water with her grandchildren. Many don't know this, but she loved adventure. Kathy skydived multiple times, loved traveling, and being on the water. She was extremely active in her church, Fifth Creek Presbyterian, and taught Sunday school for many years, where she also served as an elder.

Kathy had a special way of making everyone she encountered feel loved and listened to. She courageously battled cholangiocarcinoma cancer for 5 hard years, all while doing it with astronomical strength and grace. She never lost her kind-hearted spirit and positive outlook on life in spite of her own personal health struggle.

Kathy is survived by husband of 37 years, David Montgomery; daughters, Lauren Johnson (Brad) and Sarah Scott (Kevin); granddaughters, Piper Scott and Hazel Johnson; nephews and niece; and many other beloved family members.

The family will receive friends and family at the visitation at Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church, Monday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m., at Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church. The family requests that you please wear bright colors to honor Kathy's bright spirit.

Memorials may be sent to Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 W 13400 S #510, Herriman, UT 84096; to the Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625; or to the Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church, 1547 Mocksville Hwy., Statesville, NC 28625.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the Montgomery family.



Donations may be made to:

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman UT 84096Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County2347 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625Fifth Creek Presbyterian Church1547 Mocksville Hwy., Statesville NC 28625