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Kathy Taft Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kathy Taft
Carolyn Ritchie
May 4, 2010
I miss your mother so much. She is always in my thoughts and in my heart. The memories I have of her and those I share with you will be with me always. They are some of the happiest memories I have and make me smile even through the tears. I love all of you.
Jessie Thompson
April 26, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Johunta Klasson
April 21, 2010
Dina and family....I am so very sorry for your loss...I think of you and your sister every day...You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aristotelis & Dottie Spathis
April 20, 2010
...I have this feeling there's one more star up in the sky tonight and even though its far away, its brightness and warmth still reach us here to make the night a little less dark...
Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you during this difficult time.
Joy Motte
April 9, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you,
Becky Young
April 9, 2010
My thoughts are still with Kathy's family. My prayers for your continued strength. May your wonderful memories sustain you.
Linda Brindle
March 27, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss your mother I DIDNT KNOW HER BUT I FELT LIKE I DID my prayers and thoughts are with you.God is so good he will show you the way and help you throuh this
Justine Wilson
March 26, 2010
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Memories of good times and the love of family and friends will encourage you in the days and months ahead.
A. A. Michaels
March 26, 2010
Know that God cares and He will give you the strength and support you need to help you to cope during these difficult days. Learn to rely on Him for strength.
Dana Mann-Tavegia
March 18, 2010
Kathy and I served together on the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Boards of Education. Her contribution to the education world are numerous, and I know she inspired others to work as hard as she did to make certain all students receive the education they deserve. It was my great pleasure to have known her, worked with her, and learned from her. She will be so greatly missed. Please know that her passion was contagious, and we will carry on supporting that which she loved. Dana Mann-Tavegia, Vice-Chair, Wyoming State Board of Education
Margaret Gerken
March 17, 2010
I met Ms Taft's neice at the Pgh Airport this past week (she needed to use my cell phone) and she told me the awfull news about her Aunt. I would like to express my sincerest sympathies to her and to all the family. From what I hear Kathy made quite a difference to many young people in the area. She will be greatly missed.
Joyce King
March 15, 2010
To the Taft and Arnold families: I just wanted to join the other people who have expressed their heatfelt sympathies over the loss of a mother. sister, friend, and for me, the greatest advocate for the education of our children. Having been in the school system for a number of years,it has been a difficult task to get our school system to the point where our children receive an adequate and equal education. Ms. Taft knew that this system needed a lot of "tweaking" and endeavored to accomplish that goal. The lady left some mighty big shoes to fill. If we expect to accomplish the goals that she set forth, we'd better get to work. Kathy Taft is already missed!
Stacy Gaskins
March 15, 2010
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Kathy brought sunshine into the lives of everyone she came in contact with. Her love for people as well as all of her hard work for education will never be forgottten. Kathy was a very special person to me and I will miss her dearly.
Dana Limpert
March 15, 2010
To Hoyt, Dina, Jessica, Paige, Thomas, Jonathan and Tommy: My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time. Nothing I can say will ease your loss. Kathy wasn't afraid to shine her light to help others here. She's still shining.
steve cohen
March 14, 2010
My deepest condolences are with you, Kathy radiated love, concern, willingness and passion I was grateful to have known her and been her neighbor. She always made people feel comfortable and welcome. I pray for the family.
Whitney Ballance
March 14, 2010
To the Taft family especially Thomas and Jonathon:
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Whitney Ballance
March 14, 2010
To the Taft family especially Thomas and Jonathon:
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Beverly Giles-Woline
March 14, 2010
To all of Kathy's family, I send my heartfelt sympathy for your great loss. We spent many years together as children and through high school. She went on to have a beautiful family and gave so much back to her community. What a gift she was.
Annie Bennett
March 13, 2010
annie bennett
Ruth Cecil
March 13, 2010
Jessica, Paige, Thomas and Jonathan,
We send you all our deepest sympathy. Your Mother was a beautiful person and an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be remembered by many for her contributions to Greenville and to North Carolina. Her love and her legacy will live on through you.
Charles and Janette Pritchett
March 13, 2010
Jessica and Paige, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart truly
breaks to know such tragedy has happened to such a beautiful
lady. Time does heal all. May you all be richly blessed and always
loved.
Crystal Solis
March 13, 2010
Her daughter Page is a counsaler @ port methadone treatment program that I attend an I would like to wish here the best to come. If she ever needs to talk we are all here for her, sorry for your loss Page!!! CrystalSolis mike is my therapest!!!
Tina Eib
March 13, 2010
We send our deepest sympathy to all of Kathy's family. May you be comforted in the days to come by the peace that passes all understanding.
Tina and Richard Eib, Columbia, SC
Paula Jewelle Baker Bryan
March 13, 2010
I was deeply saddened to learn about Kathy's untimely death. May God give the Arnold and Taft families all the courage, strength and comfort they will need in the days to come.
Cynthia Mills
March 13, 2010
I am so saddened and dismayed by the loss of this talented and gracious lady. I was just getting to know Kathy better through her work on one of the boards for the Pitt County Communities in Schools Program. Kathy's enthusiasm for education was infectious. She had so much passion for the things she believed in. Words can not adequately express the sorrow I feel for the Arnold and Taft families. Kathy was on one of our own---an eastern North Carolina star. Death will not diminish the difference she made in the lives of so many. God bless.
Lynne Siegel
March 13, 2010
Words cannot adequately express my feelings. It has been a privilege and a joy knowing Kathy and her precious family. Tess, her Mom, was like a second Mom to me and it was through that relationship I got to know and love the Arnold and Taft families. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times.
Betty Lyon
March 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I will always cherish the times Kathy and I had together growing up in Kinston, especially those sailing trips with her Dad. Her smiling face and friendship will always be in my memory and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Anna Wells
March 12, 2010
To the family of Kathy Taft,
I'm deeply sorry for your loss, My prayers and thoughts are with you.
May her spirits shine forever, and May the education continue on. She'll be forever missed and in my heart.
Laura B. Willoughby
March 12, 2010
May God comfort and give you peace during this time of mourning and sorrow. Kathy was one of the best advocates for education in eastern North Carolina. She will be missed.
Isabelle Wicker
March 12, 2010
To the family of Kathy Taft:
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Catherine Joyner
March 12, 2010
Max and I send our love and sympathy to Kathy's family. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, particularly her friends in eastern North Carolina
Sherry Broussard
March 12, 2010
To the Taft family, and especially Thomas. We were deeply saddened about the passing of your Mother, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time. Thomas, Luke, was saddened to hear of your tragic loss, and we as a family remember what a wonderul individual she was to all she knew and those lives she touched. Please take comfort in the wonderful memories you have of such a great lady amd Mother.
Robin & Wit Truitt
March 12, 2010
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time! We hope that the loving memories you have will comfort you in the days to come.
Chante Teel
March 12, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Susy Moorhead
March 12, 2010
Kathy was a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed in her communities although her legacy lives on. My thoughts go out to her family.
Marty Bullock
March 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you all-
John Lauritzen
March 12, 2010
My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful person. I served with Kathy on the NC State Board of Education. I found her to be a most lovely, gracious and caring person.
Joanne H Atkinson
March 12, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
joyce taylor
March 12, 2010
My prayers and thoughts goes out to the Taft family.
Louise
March 12, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers, for strentgh and comfort in the days to come. God Bless!!
Fred Love
March 12, 2010
School friends for many years in Kinston..You will be missed and remembered. My deepest condolences to the family.
Patricia Boswell
March 12, 2010
Jessica and Family,
As you honor your mother, mother in law and grandmother, you will never forget the lessons she taught, the things she stood for... they are her gift and your legacy. May God give you all peace in this time of great sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Boswells
Toni Heffner (Dixons' Niece)
March 12, 2010
To Kathy's family, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Kathy is an amazing lady! I'm sure are all very proud of all that she has been able to accomplish for education in our great state! I always enjoyed seeing her at our family celebrations. I will think of her with great fondness.
Justin Sturz
March 12, 2010
To Kathy's family and many friends: you are in my thoughts and prayers. My mother went to Heaven this past July, and I look forward to seeing both of them again. Kathy was a remarkable woman and she did so much for education in our state! My personal memories will always include playing the piano for her Christmas parties. She was always so kind and full of love for her family. One day we will all be reunited in Heaven, praising our Lord Jesus Christ together.
Sarah Hill
March 12, 2010
This has really been a shock to many that know her and those that don't, i didn't know her but I can understand what her kids are going through with out mom. I pray for the family daily Sarah Hill(GVL,Nc)
Jeff & Angel Savage
March 11, 2010
We will miss Kathy A. Taft. We cannot thank her today, but, we can thank her family for tolerating us for all these years as we pulled and pressed upon Kathy for one reason or another. She was always kind and gracious. Thank you to the Taft family for sharing your jewel with us. Prayers for the family's comfort, peace and closure are what is needed at this time. This world and the lives of many are better because she passed our way. Rest in peace, Kathy.
Lesley Smith
March 11, 2010
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Taft family. May the Lord be with you all during this time of sorrow.
Deb Young
March 11, 2010
Paige and the Taft family, I knew your Mom from church. May you find comfort in knowing what a difference she made in the lives of so many. I am so sorry and saddened for your loss. You are in my prayers.
March 11, 2010
God be with you, dear Kathy. All your Kinston classmates will always love you and remember your precious personality. What a great loss! My sincere sympathy to your family.
Jackie Conway Walker Atkins
Grainger High, Class of '65
Kinston, NC
Crewe, Va.
Gail Herring
March 11, 2010
To Kathy's family and close friends... my prayers are with you at this difficult time. I got to know Kathy serving with her on the Women's Roundtable at ECU, and will miss her contributions greatly. She was an outstanding leader in our state !
Julie Peach
March 11, 2010
Jessica,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Heaven has a new angel..... May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
ShaKista Jones
March 11, 2010
My prayers goes out to Kathy Taft family.May you remember all the great memories of your mother,grandmother,sister and dear friend.
Pansie Flood
March 11, 2010
In an email, Kathy got me confused with another person. I called her and we both laughed about making mistakes and aging. Her "service with a smile" personality was and will always be an inspiration. With sincere sympathy,
Diana Beasley
March 11, 2010
I admired Kathy so much for always standing up for what was right for children. She was an excellent role model and will be greatly missed. Please accept my most sincere sympathy for your tragic loss.
Roland Godwin
March 11, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jewelle Baker
March 11, 2010
My prayers and love go out to the Arnold and Taft Families.......
sue pinkston
March 11, 2010
paige my thoughts and prayers are with all your family.i know you hear this alot but she is in a ,better place than we are.may the lord will bless you all. sue
Regina Chappell
March 11, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Barbara Allen Miller
March 11, 2010
I am from Greenville and did not know Kathy,but knew the Taft families. My deepest sympathy goes out to each member of Kathy's family. May God be with you.
In Christ,
Barbara Allen Miller
Williamsburg, VA
March 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
March 11, 2010
We will always remember her beautiful smile. Kathy lit up a room when she walked in. God Bless -
Leo and Mary Beth Corbin
Barbara Johnson
March 11, 2010
Paige and family, Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am a friend of Betty's and she has always spoken very highly of you. God Bless
Kay Brown
March 11, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Kathy for many years and recently through her work with the Guardian Ad Litem Program in Pitt County. Her devotion to children and her community will be missed. May the Lord bless you all in a special way in the days ahead
ginger taylor
March 11, 2010
Kathy and I grew up in the same neighborhood and went to school together. She was a cherished friend. I'm so sorry for your loss...words can't express what we all feel. May God's love encompass you all to comfort you in this time of pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Ginger Jones Taylor.. Class of '65.
Julie Rose
March 11, 2010
I echo Barbara Whitehead's comments. I was priviledged to have worked with her for indeed, as Barbara said, the children of eastern North Carolina had a true champion serving to improve schools and education. Find comfort and peace in the prayers and love of eastern North Carolina.
J J
March 11, 2010
It is with a sad heart that I offer my most sincere condolences for your great and tragic loss. Mrs. Taft has obviously touched the lives of so many people and will be fondly remembered by them all.
My prayers are for your comfort, peace and easement of your pain with time. 2Corinthians 1:3,4.
Warmest Regards
Beth & Glenn Larsen
March 11, 2010
Dear Dina and Family,
Glenn and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister, Kathy. We did not know her, but she sounds like she was a very special and caring person. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth & Glenn Larsen
Gene & Susan Lanier
March 11, 2010
Dear Jessica, Paige, Tom, Jonathan, Dina & Family,
Our hearts and love go out to you in your tragic loss. We loved your mom and she was always a joy to be around. She was one of a kind that will be impossible to replace. Her many contributions made the lives of many people much better. We share with you in your grief.
Val. Nelson
March 11, 2010
Paige and family, I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your mother. May you find comfort in knowing that your mother was loved made an impact on so many lives. God bless you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elizabeth Taft
March 11, 2010
We are sorry for your loss, in the journey of life some people leave a mark so deep that it becomes hard to forget them (That's Kathy). May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish. With heartfelt condolences, Elizabeth Taft
Joey Fulford
March 11, 2010
to the Taft family please except my deepest sympathy in the lost of such a outstanding lady, she will be missed more than words can ever say.
Sue and Royce Hamm
March 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you with your tragic loss of your loved one. She gave so much of herself on behalf of our State's greatest resource, our children, for better education. She was an asset to our State who contributed much and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you and blessings always!
Nancy & Joe Marlette
March 11, 2010
Our Prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May the Lord Bless and Keep You In His Care.
Denise and Frank Swain
March 11, 2010
Dina and family, Frank and I are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donovan Phillips
March 11, 2010
To the Taft family:My sincerest condolences for your loss. I served on the PCS board of education with Kathy and found her to be gracious,loving and extremely hard working.
Her love for children and education is a great loss to this state and county. Kathy will be sorely missed.
Cleola Johnson
March 11, 2010
My heart is deeply saddened over the loss of your loved one. Keeping you close in caring thoughts and prayers. Praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirit, and carry you through this time of sadness to a place of peace. With heartfelt sympathy
Sheila Jessup
March 11, 2010
I didn't know her personaly but she sounded like a great person.A very tragic thing to happen.My prayers are with her family.May she rest in peace.
Bill Johnson
March 11, 2010
Jessica and Paige: I'm heartbroken for you and the family. Your mama was an awfully sweet person, and truly one of the "cool parents" growing up. Indeed, "the apple doesnt fall far from the tree" and you are blessed with the qualities that made Kathy special.
Again, I'm so sorry and just hated learning this news.
Please know that Heidi and I are thinking of you and will keep your family in our prayers.
Deep condolences, and much Love!
Steven Weber
March 10, 2010
Thank you for your contributions to education. You gave your time, energy, and ideas to the state of North Carolina throughout your career. You were part of key changes which improved education in K-12 schools and you were a person of integrity. Thank you for your lifelong commitment to education!
Janette Pritchett
March 10, 2010
Jessica and Paige, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. Your mother was loved and appreciated by so many. The outpouring of love is a true testimony of her life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
March 10, 2010
My sympathies go out to Kathy's family. She really was a beacon of hope and determination in her fight to better education for ALL of the children in North Carolina. We will sorely miss her!
Dottie Heath, DPI
Karen Ehrbar
March 10, 2010
Jessica and Family,
Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss.
Please know that we are here for you.
With Love, Your Tennis Team
Liz Partrick
March 10, 2010
I am so sorry for the horrible and tragic loss of your Mom and friend. I pray that she is in peace in Heaven. I know she is..May God be with you all.
Connie Bashore
March 10, 2010
Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy to the Taft family. God has received a very special angel. May God bless you, strengthen and comfort you in this very special time of need. In my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Thompson
March 10, 2010
My sympathy and prayers are with you at this sad time. Kathy taught me how to stand up for myself. I was her housekeeper and babysitter for many years. She will be missed.
Beverly Hamilton
March 10, 2010
Jessica and Paige,
Even as I read the words, I am finding it so difficult to believe. Though it has been several years since I have seen your mom, the memories of the many times I had with her and you are still so fresh in my mind. She taught me so much and left a lasting impression that death cannot diminish. I loved her dearly as did many. I know there are no amount of words that can ease the pain you are feeling but please know my thoughts are with you, Dina, Hoyt and the many other family members she has left behind. May God bless you in this hour of need. The world has certainly lost a precious person.
Drew Perry
March 10, 2010
May your sadness and hurt be replaced quickly with God's love and kindness.
Remember for us Christian's its: life, death AND resurrection. So we will all see Kathy again.
kim brown
March 10, 2010
very yery sorry
Joan and Gus Tsamas
March 10, 2010
Such a horrible tragedy. We didn't know Kathy Taft. Still, We are totally sorry for the loss of her life. Our condolences to all the family members and friends. God bless you all.
Maegan Starcher
March 10, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Taft family during this difficult time.
Mabel Taylor
March 10, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I met Kathy just last week in Halifax County Schools. In meeting her, I knew she was a woman with much compassion and a stern belief that all children can and will learn at their own pace. She was an advocate for ALL children, and her legacy will forever linger amongst all that knew her. You are truly blessed to have had such a jewel for 62 years. May the fond memories forever be cherished. God bless, and remember that others do care and are thinking of you all. Be blessed.
Minister Luther Hemby
March 10, 2010
To the Taft family: I am very sorry for your lost. I met Ms. Taft in the early 90s in the Pitt County School system. She inspired me and helped me become the person I am today. It was a privilege to have known her. What happened to her was atrocious and undeserved. The state of North Carolina has lost a compassionate, sincere, loving, and heart-driven educator. She will be greatly missed to all the public educators and students. On behalf of my family, you are in our thoughts and prayers and may God comfort and strengthen you all.
Nancy & Jeff McClure
March 10, 2010
To Kathy Taft's children, grandchildren & John Geil: We have been heartbroken by your loss and this horrific tragedy. I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams that something like this would happen to such a wonderful, life loving woman as Kathy was. I feel so blessed to have been friends with her and will always charish our fond memories of time spent together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Skeffington
March 10, 2010
My deepest condolences and sympathy go out to the entire family. Kathy will be missed by so many and remembered forever!
Dutchess Maye
March 10, 2010
To the Taft family,especially the son Thomas, this senseless loss is incomprehensible. Thomas, I held your mother in high regard for all her dedication and work for North Carolina. She will certanily be missed.
Anne Sampson
March 10, 2010
As an educator for the past 22 years in Pitt County I will remember Kathy Taft as one of the most compassionate and caring people I had the privilege to know and work with. Kathy was not only dedicated to her job in the education field but a wonderful volunteer in the school system as well.She will be dearly missed in our community. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
March 9, 2010
Dina and Hoyt,
I wish I knew what to say to make things better but sometimes words just aren't enough. It has been years since I've seen either of you and don't know if you'll remember me. I worked with Kathy in Kinston in the late 60's and early 70's. I've never forgotten the lunch hours I spent at your house in Kinston watching the Soaps with your Mother and Kathy. Whenever Kathy and I would see each other, we would reminisce about those tough but good times. I am so fortunate to have known Kathy and to call her my friend. May it help in some way to know that friends are sharing the sorrow in your heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Whitehead
March 9, 2010
I was priviledged to have worked with Kathy on several different educational committees and projects and was always in awe of her foresight, and indepth work on issues. I felt honored to have known her. Children of eastern North Carolina had a true champion serving to improve schools and education for all children. We have lost a true treasure. My prayers are with the family and friends to find comfort and peace during this time. The prayers and love of eastern North Carolina surround you.
Linda Smiciklas
March 9, 2010
Jessica and family- Words cannot be found. Please know how loved and supported you all are and we will pray for your strength and comfort through all this. Love you
Jan Wynns
March 9, 2010
Kathy was a memorable person. I knew Kathy when she (and Jessica and Paige) lived in Raleigh in the 70's. I remember her has a beautiful woman, a beautiful spirit, with sparkling eyes and an infectios smile. She will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched.
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