Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Louise O’Connor, her husband John Hawsey, her brother James O’Connor, and her sister Maureen O’Connor Nichols. She is survived by her husband James “Jim” Torchia, her son Karl Hawsey and wife Carol, her daughter Kareen Hawsey, her grandson Matthew Hawsey, her nephew Van Nichols, and niece Shannon O' Connor.
Kathy earned her bachelor’s degree in 1969 at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with a Social Studies major, as well as minors in Educational Psychology and Journalism. In 1994, she earned her Master’s degree in Library Science at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. She married John “Jay” William Hawsey on November 16, 1968, and gave birth to Karl and Kareen Hawsey in 1972 and 1977, respectively. It was arguably her greatest contribution to the world. For many years, she taught Social Studies at Adams Middle and Semmes Middle Schools, as well as at Mary G. Montgomery High School. However, because she wanted a career, as well as time with her family, she chose to quit teaching and become a Mary Kay consultant. She won countless awards for sales, and for over a decade, attended the yearly Mary Kay National Seminar in Dallas, Texas, where she got to “walk the red carpet” in celebration of her achievements. As a faithful member of Crawford Baptist Church for 40 years, she served on several committees, established the church library, and became Media Director. She had perfect attendance for Sunday School for over 20 continuous years, which no one has since surpassed. While her stature was small, her spirit was not. She was known to be a fiery, opinionated lady, fiercely loyal to friends and family, and she had a sense of adventure that was never quelled. Whenever she could travel, she did, whether it be on cruises to Alaska or the Bahamas, or on Baptist mission trips to Central America. She will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Crawford Baptist Church on Sun Valley Drive in Mobile, with a funeral immediately following at the same location. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile. Pall-bearers include Benny Johnston, Steve Wiggins, Scott Harbold, Braxton Perry, Danny Nicohls, and Mike Wade. A reception will be held for close friends and family at Crawford Baptist Church following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, and if you'd like to make a donation, you can send a check to Crawford Baptist Church in Kathy's name or, if it's easier to use a digital method, you may Venmo your donation to Karl Hawsey (@bamadog – photo is Karl in sunglasses), who will send one combined check of all donations to CBC in her name. Thank you all for your love and support during this difficult time.
