Katherine H. Dobson

Katherine Heidt Dobson, widow of Broadus Dobson, went to be with the Lord June 14, 2017. Katherine was born March 28, 1923 to Creighton Mitchell Heidt and Beatrice Hutson Heidt of Nesmith SC. Due to her mother’s illness, she was raised by her aunt Emma “Tudie” Hutson of Hardeeville SC. Katherine loved the low country and trips to Savannah and the beach. She came to the upstate to attend Anderson College and graduated from Furman University with a degree in education. There she met Broadus, the love of her life. When they married she said she realized Broadus would never leave his hometown of Greer, and she made it her home too. They were blessed with 67 happy years. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers Edward and Mitchell Heidt. She is survived by three daughters and one son, all residents of Greer: Kathy (Philip) Johnston, David (Sylvia) Dobson, Suzanne (Dean) Cuplin, and Patti (Tommy) Simmons. She was “Nanny” to her eight grandchildren: Jennifer Johnston Dorn, Andy Johnston (Jenny), Katie Jeter (Eric), Tricia Morris (Chris), John Barbrey, Rebecca Barbrey, Thomas Simmons (Julia), and Patrick Simmons. She was also "Nanny" to her six great-grandchildren: Zachary Dorn, Duncan Jeter, Olivia Morris, Brock Barbrey, Matilda Rea Johnston, and Agnes Katherine Johnston. Teaching young children was her calling. Her elementary schools included Holly Springs, Duke St. and Crestview, where she retired. And many a grandchild did their homework at Nanny’s kitchen table. Katherine loved the Lord and her church. Her life demonstrated that actions speak louder than words. She put the needs of others before her own and found joy in giving, sending her famous pound cakes, preparing Sunday communion, or sharing her home with aging family members. She celebrated life, serving Sunday dinners to 18 people until she closed her kitchen, going to grandchildren’s ball games, hosting the traditional Christmas Eve party, and planning the annual beach trip. “It takes life to love Life,” wrote the poet Edgar Lee Masters, and Katherine had the strength to find happiness in each of her 94 years. Dementia clouded her last 14 years, but not her spirit. She would often take the hand of those with her shaking it and telling them, “I love you, I love you.” Nothing brought her more joy than holding her great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held in the Memorial United Methodist Church sanctuary from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., conducted by Rev. Joe Cate. Burial will be in Wood Memorial Park. Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. The family will be in their respective homes. Memorials may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main St., Greer SC 29650 or Greer Community Ministries, P. O. Box 1373, Greer, SC 29652. A special thanks to Katherine’s friend who she “will always remember,” Linda Cason, and to her caregivers at Rose Cottage, especially Tanya Gray and Beatrice Onyiriona, who showed her love and kindness each day for four years. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Katherine H. Dobson

March 28, 1923 - June 14, 2017