Katherine Key Coleman

An incredibly kind, loving and generous woman with a heart of gold, Kathy has left an incredible imprint on the lives of everyone who was ever blessed to know her. She was first and foremost a child of God, and her faith and witness were unshakeable and inspirational.

A native Knoxvillian, Kathy was born on November 9, 1960. She attended Doyle High School and was a proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received her Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Elementary Education, and a Masters degree in Administration and Policy Studies. After teaching for two years at Blackville Hilda High School in Barnwell, South Carolina, Kathy returned to Knoxville and began teaching math at Fulton High School in 1988. She spent the rest of her teaching career at Fulton, where she taught various math courses, and served as the Dean of the School of Skilled Professions. Over the years, she impacted the lives of thousands of students and colleagues with her words of wisdom and her unwavering determination to always do what was right. She was a strong advocate for all of her students, constantly encouraging them to reach higher and strive to do better. Kathy could always be found at Fulton High School sporting events, cheering on her beloved Falcons.

Kathy was also a devoted fan of the UT Volunteers. She loved going to football and basketball games, and proudly wore orange and white at every opportunity.

When Kathy wasn’t in the classroom, she loved boating on the lake, going to the beach, listening to music by Hillsong United, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson as well as creating the beautiful hand-made quilts and other crafts that she generously gave to others. She loved to cook, and often had had four crock-pots going at the same time so she could take food to friends, family and those in need. Her joyous smile would light up a room, and hearing her contagious laugh was always a gift beyond measure.

Kathy was completely devoted to her family. No matter what the circumstances, they all knew they could depend on her for guidance, support and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Richard O. Coleman; son and daughter-in-law Josh and Lezlee Coleman, their daughter Kylie and soon-to-be born baby Oliver. Also treasuring her memory are her sisters Christine Key and Kelli Hammontree, her brother Terry Key, her aunts; uncles, and a great number of nieces; nephews; cousins and in-laws.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Ethel Sowders Key and Kenneth Alexander Key.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022 between the hours of 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 with a Celebration of Life Service to follow officiated by Rev. Brocke Tharpe. Family and friends will go in procession to Berry Highland South Cemetery, 9010 W. Simpson Road, Knoxville for a 3:00 PM Interment. Services will be Live-Streamed on the Berry Funeral Home Facebook page.

Serving as pallbearers are Terry Key, Jonah Hammontree, Noah Hammontree, Alex Key, Bob Coleman, Edward Coleman, Clyde Culp, Marc Rowland, Will Rowland and Drew Rowland. Honorary pallbearers are all current and former students and teachers of Fulton High School.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Zaevion Dobson Memorial Foundation (TheZaeviondobsonmemorialfoundation.org). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Coleman family.