Katherine Waldroup Peyton passed away in Houston on August 15, 2018 after an extended illness. Kathy was born in Hayesville, North Carolina in October 1935 to Fred and Edna Waldroup. She was married to Dave Peyton for 61 years and they were proud parents of three daughters: Jane Harrell of Argyle, Texas, Susan Croley of Houston, and Beth King of Houston. In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her sons-in-law Charley Harrell, Alan Croley, and John King. Surviving grandchildren are Dr. Meredith Hartman (husband Jeff), Donald Harrell (wife Rachel), Aaron Croley, Avery Croley, and Sarah King.
Kathy grew up in Hayesville where she graduated from Clay County High School in 1953. She then entered the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and Teacher’s Certificate in 1957.
She taught Art and Second Grade in the elementary schools in Florida for three years while Dave was serving there in the Air Force. After moving to Westfield, New Jersey where Dave was employed by Exxon, she devoted her time to caring for her family. Since Westfield was so convenient to New York City, Kathy and Dave were able to enjoy many of the amenities of the metropolitan area such as the art museums and Broadway shows. In 1967, the family made a corporate relocation to Houston and has resided in Memorial Forest in Houston since.
Kathy was an active member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church as a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, as a Sunday school teacher, and assisted with Vacation Bible School. She participated in the United Methodist Women’s circles for many years and donated her time and artistic talent to the Hearts and Hands event at the church.
Kathy greatly enjoyed the company of her daughters’ families during family vacations in Colorado extending over thirty years. After Dave’s retirement, the family purchased a second home overlooking the ski slopes of Breckenridge, Colorado for retirement and family vacation use. Kathy enjoyed the beautiful mountain scenery for painting along with the hiking, fishing, skiing, and other activities to entertain the grandchildren.
From 1999 to 2010, Kathy and Dave owned and managed Lighting Treasures, a custom lighting business in the Houston Design Center specializing in building and restoring lighting fixtures for the design trade. Kathy was active in acquiring the many chandeliers, sconces, and antique items that the technicians restored for sale to the interior designers.
From her college years to retirement, Kathy had an enduring love and interest in art. She painted in several media but settled mainly on watercolor in the ten years in Colorado where there was a great range of beautiful subjects for painting. In Breckenridge, she was active in outdoor painting of mountain scenes, lake scenes, old mine sites, and historic buildings with the Women of Watercolor.
In Houston, Kathy was active in the Memorial Forest Women’s Club for over 35 years, serving as President for two years and contributing in other key positions. She also served as a volunteer at Memorial Hermann Hospital (Memorial City) for eight years and at Bayou Bend Museum for nine years.
The Peyton family deeply appreciates the loving and professional home care given Kathy by caregivers Peggy Holmes, Dolores Velis, Vicky Potter, Amanda Mathew, and Judith MaKwega over the last 18 months of her life.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may direct it to: Caring Forever Foundation at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079.
A memorial service celebrating Kathy’s life will be held on Thursday, August 23, at 2pm at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church at 12955 Memorial Drive in Houston. A reception at the church will follow the service.
