Kathy Abel

JONESBORO - Kathy Waltman Abel, 63, of Jonesboro, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, after a sudden and brief battle with brain cancer.

Born on Feb. 23, 1959, in Aberdeen, Miss., Kathy moved to Northeast Arkansas after marrying the love of her life and best friend, Jim, right after getting her accounting degree at Mississippi State University.

A friend to all and someone who never met a stranger, Kathy loved everyone in her community and everyone loved Kathy. However, there has never before been an earthly love as deep as Kathy's for her husband, kids and grandkids.

Kathy was an avid pianist, a horse whisperer, a beloved tennis teammate, a puzzle wizard, a crafty quilter and a brilliant businesswoman. But more than all of those things, she was (and is) a devoted follower of Jesus and daughter of the King. And while we all miss her more than words can say, we are rejoicing that she is full of peace in the arms of the Lord, now and forevermore.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Abel; her sons, Chris Abel of Jonesboro and Carter Abel (Carly) of Nashville, Tenn.; her three grandchildren, Lila Abel, Micah Abel and Asher Abel; her sister, Nancy Waltman Hill (Herb) of Granbury, Texas; her sister-in-law, Jodi Pusateri Waltman (Al) of Rolla, Mo.; and a great host of other family members, friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Norris Waltman and Maxine Gebhart Waltman; her grandparents, John and Amy Gebhart and Albert and Minnie May Viola Lambert Waltman; and her brother, Albert Norris Waltman II.

We invite you to join us in celebration of her life this Saturday at Central Baptist Church of Jonesboro, with visitation from noon to 2 p.m. and service from 2-3 p.m. The family will have a private graveside service afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society or Central Baptist Church's Music Ministry.

Online registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com