Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Kellison

1951 - 2025

Mary Kathleen (Kathy) Kellison (73) passed from this life surrounded by her family on March 20, 2025 after an extended courageous battle with cancer. Kathy was born on April 13th, 1951 in Clovis, New Mexico. She was the youngest child of Mary Kathleen and Thomas Owen Thornton. She attended school in Lockney, Texas her entire school career and then attended Texas Tech University. She met Ricky Kellison in 1967 in High School and they were longtime sweethearts. Kathy married her sweetheart on May 15, 1971. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Texas Tech University in 1973. She taught school for a few years in Amarillo then she stepped away from teaching to raise her family. She resumed teaching at Lockney ISD where she was a dedicated educator. She educated and impacted over 1,000 students in her 31 years of teaching.

She is survived by her husband, Ricky Lynn Kellison; her children and their spouses: Kori and Pat Green of Fort Worth, Amy and Corbin Kellison of Floydada, and Kristen and Jason Surles of Dilley. She was Kaki to 6 grandchildren: Kellis and Rainey Green of Fort Worth, Parker and Carson Kellison of Floydada, and Lynnlee and Owen Surles of Dilley, Texas. Her brother and sister-in-law Ronnie and Pat Thornton of Abernathy, and sister Patricia Killingsworth of Bryant, Arkansas, Brother-in-law Deannie Henderson of Plainview, Noriko Ono of Japan, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathy was a fiercely loyal wife, mother, grandmother, friend and Red Raider fan. She loved cooking and was always found using her talents to entertain and comfort others. She was a wonderfully thoughtful woman who always endeavored to give just the right gift, whether it was a pan of homemade cinnamon rolls, a chocolate chip cake, a handmade blanket, or just a little treat with a hand painted tag.

She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church where she served in many roles of leadership and was most proud of serving as the church hostess. She also served on the WJ Mangold Memorial Hospital Board.

Kathy had a kind spirit and easy smile and will be missed greatly by all that knew and loved her. Kathy's life was a gift we will treasure and will take comfort knowing that she is now at peace watching over us and cheering us all on from above.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Kathleen and Owen Thornton, her brother Don Thornton. In-laws Johnnie and Earl Kellison. Sister-in-law Nita Henderson. Niece Roxanne Thornton, great nephews Mark and Matthew Patton.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Lockney Methodist Church with Pastor Auggie Aguilera and Reverend Kyle Brock o?ciating. Interment will follow at Lockney Cemetery in Lockney, Texas. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview, Texas.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel in Plainview, Texas.

In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Kathy Kellison Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made to the Methodist Church with Kathy Kellison Scholarship Fund in the memo. Please mail to: Lockney Methodist Church, PO Box 7, Lockney, Texas 79241.

Online condolences may be made at www.kornersonefunerals.com.