Mary Kate O'Kain

Oak Ridge - Mary Kate (Keeble) O'Kain passed away August 29, 2024, at the age of 85. Mary Kate was a loving wife, mother of three children, and grandmother ("Ebaba") of four grandchildren. She grew up in Maryville, TN and was the daughter of Clyde and Lois Keeble. She is predeceased by her parents, her son John O'Kain, and her brother Art Keeble of Tampa, FL. She is survived by her husband of 58 years David O'Kain, son Mark O'Kain of Philadelphia, PA, daughter Laura Bronkala (Eric) of Knoxville, daughter-in-law Kelley O'Kain of York, SC, and four grandsons (Jake Bronkala, Luke Bronkala, River O'Kain, and Evan O'Kain).

Mary Kate graduated from The University of Tennessee with a BS and MS in Business Education. She was active in Delta Pi Epsilon, the business education honorary society, and was president of the local chapter in 1966. She was a business teacher at Karns High School, The University of Tennessee Evening School, and Roane State Community College. She lived in Oak Ridge since her marriage in 1966. She was a stay-at-home mom raising her three children and caring for the first two grandchildren. She worked as a secretary at Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Word Processing Services, CDM Federal Programs, Oak Ridge School Administration, and the Y-12 National Security Complex. She was a Welcome Wagon representative.

Mary Kate was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge. She served on numerous committees, volunteered in the church office, and was a Youth Counselor for nine years and Youth Choir Tour Coordinator and chaperone for seven years. She was chair of the Higher Education Commission, chair of Children's Council, chair of the Education Commission, director of Vacation Church School, and Church School Superintendent-Youth. She taught Church School for children and youth, served as a volunteer Children's Coordinator, and was a Stephen Minister. She participated in numerous Bible study classes and served on the history committee.

Her greatest joy was doing things with her family. She was always a strong advocate for music lessons and enjoyed attending an enormous number of recitals, concerts, plays, and sporting events with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed sharing the latest news about the kids' activities and hearing her friends talk about their children and grandchildren. She loved to read, and one of her favorite things was reading books to her grandchildren. She always supported her family; she was president of the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association when Laura was dancing ballet; she, along with David, served as president of the Oak Ridge High School Band Parents Association. Family gatherings were always memorable. Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers always included lots of food, fellowship, and games of all types. Family vacations were special. She hosted several large Keeble family reunions at her homeplace near Maryville. She loved the Smoky Mountains; picnics in Cades Cove created many great memories.

Receiving of friends will be at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge, TN from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 7:00 p.m. The family will have a small private graveside service at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge.