Katherine O. Ballard

Katherine O. Ballard, 91, went to be with the Lord she so loved on August 27, 2012, just as she had prayed she would—peacefully in her sleep with her children around her. Born in Oklahoma, she spent most of her life in Dallas, and six years ago moved to Gainesville, GA, to live with her daughter Donna and son-in-law Walt.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband Jack Ballard, her parents Tom and Cora Samples, infant daughter Sheila Diane, daughter Denise Curry, sisters Polly Rust and Velma Scott, brothers Nolan Samples and Elmer Samples, and infant great-grandson Andy Curry. She is survived by her sister, Lois Crabtree of Plano, TX, children Donna and Walt Peacock of Gainesville, GA, Sally and Mike Johnston of Lewisville, TX, Burt Ballard of Burbank, CA, Barbara Barros of Garland, TX, and Jalane Pearcy of Dallas. Granny was loved by her grandchildren Jason Peacock of Gainesville, GA, Justin and Jonathan Peacock of Roselle, IL, Cody Curry of Dallas, Melody Cato of Dallas, and Beverly Hill of Garland, TX. Katherine felt especially blessed to have 11 “beautiful and extremely smart” great-grandchildren.

Katherine was a very accomplished seamstress and for years had a successful business, “Weddings by Katherine.” She retired from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2001 after 16 years of faithful service.

Two days before Katherine passed away, one of her grandsons told her, “Granny, you have showed us how to live, and now you are showing us how to die, never complaining and always trusting Jesus.” She leaves a rich heritage for her children and grandchildren, a life well lived, and one that will be sorely missed by all.

The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Angela Ritter and her staff and to Affinis Hospice of Hall County, especially her nurse Wendy Jennings, who took such loving care of her. She loved them all.

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Mission Church, 132 West Lake St., Bloomingdale, IL 60108. Mission Church was a source of great joy for Katherine, as it was planted in 2011 and is pastored by her grandson Jonathan. She also loved her Dallas home church, Redeemer Bible Church, P.O. Box 570545, Dallas, TX 75357.

Visitation for Katherine’s family and friends will be held on Thursday, August 30, from 6 to 8 PM at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, TX 75228, and her funeral will be at the same location on Friday, August 31, at 10 AM. Following the graveside service at Grove Hill Cemetery, refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall of Redeemer Bible Church, 721 Easton Rd., Dallas.