Kathryn Jones Hand lived over 100 years-- a long, full life of witnessing and participating in unprecedented change in the world. She died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, February 1, 2023 in New Bern, North Carolina. She was born in Vandemere, N.C. to Joseph and Katie Jones. She was the older sister to brothers Lee (deceased) and Joe Jones (Jacksonville, N.C.).
Kathryn’s family was deeply involved in the farming business which took them to many areas in the US before returning to New Bern. She attended Atlantic Christian College and Stratford Secretarial School in Washington, D.C. where she excelled.
At 22 she was widowed when the plane Lieutenant Tom Kenney was piloting was shot down in the Pacific in World War II. Their daughter, Mary Kay, was two weeks old. She married her second husband, William Luther Hand, Jr.--Billy, in 1951. They enjoyed 56 years of a loving marriage.
In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, her career included working at Cherry Point Marine Base, Ward and Smith law firm, and in her husband and son’s dental office where she was the office manager. She had the gift of making everyone feel welcome and at ease, and took great pleasure in making new friends. She was deeply devoted to all of her family. She added many years of enjoyment and comfort to her mother, who lived to be 99, and to her husband, who was active until his passing at 88.
She epitomized the Southern woman with her elegant demeanor and dress, while being capable and resilient. She did it all with grace and dignity. She was generous and thoughtful, frequently buying two or three of the same item so she could share with others. She enjoyed bridge club, garden club and started an investment club in the early 60s. She provided invaluable counsel to her husband in his leadership roles within the dental profession both statewide and nationally. She had a firm belief in the value of education as a lifelong pursuit, and her children’s education was one of her highest priorities. She and her husband were founding members of Trent Academy of Basic Education.
Kathryn was proud of her historic home and yard on East Front Street, creating a place that was special for family, friends and pets. She knew her tools, could mix and pour concrete, and back a boat trailer. You could often find her working in a straw hat, Espadrilles, denim skirt, and red lipstick, wielding hedge trimmers or her electric chain saw in her yard.
She loved her family and all the generations to come--her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her nephew and niece. She is survived by her daughter Mary Kathryn Davison (Mary Kay); son William Hand III (Bill) and wife Lynn, and grandson William Hand IV and wife Sydney; daughter Elizabeth Hand (Beth); grandson Eric Davison and wife Nicole, and great grandchildren Aiden, Charlotte, and Olivia; grandson Scott Davison and wife Jennie, and great grandchildren Jake and Jordan; grandson Lance Davison and wife Mary, and great grandchild Nyla; her brother Joseph H. Jones with whom she had an extraordinarily loving relationship; nephew Joseph H. Jones Jr; niece Jennifer J. Robertson and husband Rob, and great nephew Joseph.
No formal visitation is planned. There will be a private graveside service for family where she will be buried beside her husband. On Saturday, February 11, 2023, a Celebration of Life reception, open to family and friends, will be held at 510 East Front Street from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The family expresses gratitude for the many years of wonderful care and affection given by the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Brookdale New Bern Staff Fund would be appreciated: Brookdale New Bern Staff Fund, 1336 South Glenburnie Road, New Bern, NC. 28562.
Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Kathryn J. Hand. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
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