Kathleen Marie "Kathy" Barney Stallings

Kathy was born on August 19, 1968, in Westfield, MA. From her earliest years, it was clear that Kathy was special. At the age of 3, she earned the nickname "chatty Kathy" for her outstanding communication skills and desire to communicate and connect with those around her - abilities that would continue to be defining strengths throughout her life.

Kathy moved to Houston when she was 13 and was a proud graduate of Clear Lake High School where she was always ambitious and active - specifically in speech and debate. Kathy then attended the University of Texas where she met and charmed her future husband, Tom, on the first day of the semester. Kathy was an advertising major, president of the Business Professional Advertising Association, a volunteer for Disabled Student Services and a Sweetheart for Tom’s fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. During her final year at UT, Kathy worked as an intern for the Houston Chronicle. Upon graduation, this turned into full time employment. Soon after, on August 24, 1991, Kathy and Tom were married. Kathy went on to have a fulfilling, 18-year career in advertising sales - earning five prestigious “Publisher Club” awards. Kathy and Tom went on to produce four amazing and extremely loved children.

Spending quality time with family and her loving and continual encouragement and advocacy for her children increasingly became the focus of Kathy's life. After years of juggling career and motherhood, Kathy decided to leave the Chronicle - though she continued to cherish the relationships she formed with her Chronicle colleagues and frequently attended alumni reunions to maintain these special bonds and friendships.

Kathy and Tom went on to enjoy 31 years of loving marriage and Kathy continued to devote her endless tenacity, energy, compassion and enthusiasm to the advocacy and support, not only of her own family, but also of countless members of her community. She was a tireless advocate for children with special needs, taking a specific interest in children and young adults on the autism spectrum. She served as president of the Briar Village Swim Team, the Westside High School PTO, and Aspie of Houston.

One of Kathy’s other passions was the music of the Beatles and she became a regular of a local band, Runaway Radio, who included a number of Beatles songs in their sets. Kathy was such a loyal follower that the band would sometimes share their playlist with Kathy in advance.

Kathy is survived by her spouse, Tom, her children: Stephanie, Mary Kate, George “Anthony,” and Charlotte, her parents: Judy and Lewis Bauerlein and Garry Barney, and her sister Lisa Littin as well as countless extended family and friends.

Throughout her life, Kathy acquired many friends and touched many lives. She was selfless in her giving. Many families benefited from servings of Kathy’s chicken noodle and lentil soup which she always found time to make for neighbors when they were under the weather.

Kathy lived her life with tremendous compassion for others and had an infectious, sweet smile and laugh that made you feel like you mattered in this world. She is missed dearly by the many lives she touched.

An evening reception, in lieu of wake, will take place on Tuesday, October 25th, 5-8pm at MKStallings Photography Studio, 11221 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX, 77082, Suite C105. A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, October 26th at 2pm, with reception following in the parish hall - St. Justin Martyr, 13350 Ashford Point Dr., Houston, TX, 77082.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Kathy’s name to The River Program of Houston's Theater Under the Stars which provides affordable, accessible arts education to children with disabilities and their siblings. More information can be found at www.tuts.com/river. Donate at the following link https://www.tuts.com/donate (be sure to check the box to donate in memory of someone and specify Kathleen Barney Stallings. This way the donation will be sure to make it specifically to The River program at TUTS).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the STALLINGS family.