Katherine Inez Dempsey Thomas, 86, of Statesville, N.C., died Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at her residence. She was born in Chocktaw, Ark., on June 24, 1934, to the late Ronnie David Dempsey Sr. and Leota Maybell Derotha Williams Dempsey. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Walter Lee Thomas Jr.; two sons, Ricky David Thomas Sr. and Rocky Dale Thomas Sr.; a daughter, Rita Dianne Thomas; and three grandsons, Jasen Eugene Draper, Denny Young and Skylar Lee Thomas.

Katherine was a retired CNA/Med Tech, having owned and operated an Adult Foster Care Home. She loved people and taking care of them. She also loved fishing, deer hunting, and trapping rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and other animals. Vegetable and flower gardening, cooking, canning, and singing also brought her joy. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and she loved her Lord.

Those left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Ramona Winebarger and Rhonda Thomas; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a special friend, Dennis Aiken.

A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 2 p.m. in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends from 1 to 2  p.m. prior to the service. The service will be live streamed from the Nicholson Funeral Home website beginning promptly at 2 p.m.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.