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Kathleen Rodgers McAlpin Ellington
1980 - 2019
FUNERAL HOME
Kathleen Ellington Obituary
Long Beach - Kathleen Rodgers McAlpin Ellington died at Gulfport Memorial Hospital on December 2, 2019 after a brief illness. A resident of Long Beach, MS, she was 39 years old.
Kate was born in Jackson, MS November 30, 1980, baptized at St. Andrews Episcopal Cathedral, and confirmed at St. James Episcopal Church in Jackson where she spent many happy childhood years, along with her treasured time at Camp Bratton Green. She attended St. Andrew's Episcopal School and Murrah High School. She graduated from Winter Park High School in Winter Park, FL in 1999 and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in political science.
Kate's interest in history and politics was lifelong. She kept up with current events but spent equal time devouring fiction and non-fiction accounts of the English Renaissance.
Beautiful and bright, Kate's humor was self-deprecatory. She brought joy and light to the world especially to her husband, Win Ellington, of Long Beach, who survives her and their 5 year old son, Knox, who adored her as she did him.
She is also survived by her parents Amy James and Victor Chatham of Pass Christian and Mike McAlpin of Jackson. Kate is also survived by her brother Graham McAlpin, his wife Megan and their children Connor and Abigail of Fort Mill, South Carolina. She is survived by her aunts and their families: Cindy James Doherty and Tony Doherty of Hattiesburg; Jill James Sellers and Leon Sellers of Canton; Kate's cousin Laura Baldwin, her husband Jacob of Canton, their children, Emma James and Olivia, as well as her cousin Thomas Sellers of Washington, D.C. Additional survivors include Win's parents Edward and Cleta Ellington of Jackson, and their family, Cleta Elaine Ellington and Crawford Morgan of Austin, Texas and Edward Clifton Ellington of Jackson. Kate also leaves behind a beloved best friend Stephanie Dawn Sykes, who lives in New Zealand.
Kate was preceded in death by her grandparents Newell McAlpin, and Doris and Robert James of Petal and Hattiesburg.
A celebration of Kate's life will be held on Friday, December 6th, at St. Peter's by the Sea Episcopal Church in Gulfport, with visitation beginning at noon. The service will begin at 2, followed by a reception at the church. The committal service will be Saturday, December 7th at 11am at Roseland Park (1202 West 7th St., Hattiesburg, MS). Kate will be laid to rest beside her beloved grandparents, Doris and Robert James.
Kate's family appreciates the generous outpouring of love and support from so many dear friends, as well the compassionate care she received from the Memorial Hospital ICU staff during her illness. In lieu of flowers, Kate's family encourages donations in her honor to a CASA Chapter or to a charity of one's choice.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Ellington
Sponsored by Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - 15th Street - Gulfport.
Victor Chatham
December 8, 2019
Kate's Light
I was not there, yet I am sure positive that I know
there was light in her Mother's eyes at her birth.
The Mother saw her light reflected in her child's eyes
so she gifted her child with that same beautiful light.
The light gifted by her Mother became multiple faceted
as she grew to match the shining light in her eyes.
Never did I see that light for most of thirty years
but her Mother told me stories of her life's light.
Upon my first meeting with her Mother she spoke first
of her first born and the light that shined her eyes.
Then I had the pleasure to meet her, a light in life,
a light in her Mother's eyes, she was as lovely as the light.
Of all her family I would eventually meet with her Mother, the child was the loveliest of all her family and friends.
Then I began to observe, as I am want to do, her changing
Light, sometimes burning hot, sometimes almost gone.
Then she met a man who brought a light to her beautiful eyes, even in her struggles the light shone bright for this man.
Then came a beautiful brown eyed boy with James cheeks and the light in her eyes exploded brigh as a thousand stars.
When her light would struggle to shine as brightly as the sun her sweet Momma whispered peace and calm restoring light.
But sadly, I watched her move too early from life to life but I continue to see her beautiful light death did not destroy.
You see, her light reflected in those precious brown eyes
of her son and she gifted him with that amazing light.
Beautiful Kate's light now abides with the Pretty of Maggie, may they both joyfully shine and adorn the eternal heavens.
Jennifer Mueller-LeBlanc
December 7, 2019
No distance, no amount of time lost, will make me forget you luv. I still have most of your notes from high school so that helps too, lol. Your words of wisdom are everlasting. XOXO BFFs forever.
Sharon Washington
December 6, 2019
Prayers and love to the family. You are in my prayers.
Jim Conway
December 6, 2019
May the PEACE of the LORD be with your family !
Anne Evansj
December 6, 2019
Sending you my love and prayers.
Becky Beard
December 6, 2019
God bless you Katie. I love you. So sorry for the loss of Katie. Praying for all of you.
Kathy Thomas
December 6, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Dunbar Watt
December 5, 2019
Amy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Dunbar
December 5, 2019
God bless your family
Jill Hershberger
December 5, 2019
Amy, my heart breaks for you and all of Kates family. Know that you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers daily and in the days to come as you live with such an enormous loss. May you all find comfort and peace in your memories and love she had for all of you.
Wesley Barnes Brown
December 5, 2019
Win, I am so sorry for your loss and I know you shall persevere with the help of your family and the Lord. You are in my prayers.
Babs Whitfield
December 5, 2019
Win, So saddened by the loss of your wife, Kate, and knox's mother. God will surely give you the strength and understanding to go on. So many people love you, Win, not the least of all, me. You are close to my heart and in my prayers.
Susan and Macy Hart
December 5, 2019
We are so saddened by the death of such a sweet young woman. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband and son- as well as her parents and in-laws. May she always be a blessing to your family.
Gail Lee
December 5, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dick & Paula Olmstead
December 5, 2019
Dear Amy, Victor, Winn and Knox, our hearts go out to you and you are very much in our hearts and prayers at this very painful time.
Kendra Pearson
December 5, 2019
My deepest condolences. My heart breaks for you and Knox, and all of her loved ones... May God be with you and wrap you in his arms.
Kimberly Mayeaux
December 5, 2019
My Thoughts and prayers are with u win and knox.
Jo Claire and Charlie Swayze
December 4, 2019
Prayers and love for Winn and Knox, Kates family and Cleta and Edward Ellington and her family. Jo Claire and Charlie Swayze
Paul Konieczny
December 4, 2019
All our thoughts and prayers are with you Win and Knox. May she be in your hearts always. And may she rest in peace.
The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes
December 5, 2019
We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.
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