Kathryne Burkholder

Kathryne Suzette Burkholder Kathryne Suzette Burkholder, 80, of Daphne, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her home on August 27, 2026. Born on December 8, 1945, in El Paso, Texas, Kathryne lived a life full of adventure, laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Known as Suzette earlier in life and later affectionately as Katie, she was outgoing, bubbly, and full of life. She truly never met a stranger. Katie had a way of making everyone around her feel welcome, loved, and special. She was a “go big or go home” kind of girl who loved to have a good time and believed that life was meant to be lived fully. Her beauty was evident from the beginning—she was voted “Best Looking” in high school—but the beauty she carried within her was even greater. She remained a beautiful person, inside and out, throughout her entire life. Katie had an adventurous spirit and lived in many places throughout her life, including Alaska, Europe, Ireland, and Germany. Wherever life took her, she made memories and friendships along the way. She and her beloved husband, James Melton Burkholder, spent more than 30 years building and running a logistics company together, creating not only a business but a life filled with shared experiences and accomplishments. Family was at the heart of Katie’s world. She had a special gift for making birthdays, holidays, and ordinary moments feel extraordinary. She never wanted anyone to feel forgotten and always made sure the people she loved knew just how special they were. She found joy in the simple things, too. Katie loved her cookbooks and spending time in her garden. She enjoyed playing board games, working on puzzles, and, most of all, being surrounded by the people she loved. Her laughter, warmth, and larger-than-life personality brought a special kind of light into every room she entered. Katie is survived by her husband, James Melton Burkholder; her children, Julie Burkholder Shelby, James Jeremy Burkholder (Samona), and Jana Noel Burkholder Medina (Ruben Medina); her seven grandchildren, Jacob Rogers, Jaimee Knight (Conrad Knight), Alina Burkholder, Jaden Jackson, Jolie Montgomery (Franklin Montgomery), Josie Jackson, and Noah Medina; and her five great-grandchildren, Dallas Knight, Ace Knight, Luna Jackson, Isabella Montgomery, and Everette Jackson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Mohan; her stepfather, Harry Mohan; and her father, Lt. Colonel James Bacon King. Kathryne leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, adventure, and a lifetime of making people feel special. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her bubbly spirit, her generous heart, and her ability to turn even the smallest occasion into something worth celebrating. Her family will forever carry her with them—in the traditions she created, the stories they tell, the laughter she inspired, and the love she gave so freely. She lived boldly, loved deeply, and left a little sparkle everywhere she went. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Kathryne Burkholder

August 27, 2026

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Kathryne Burkholder

August 27, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification