Katherine Cockroft "Kitty" Lammons

Katherine "Kitty" Cockroft Lammons, 93, lifetime Memphian, passed away in the company of family and friends at her home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. She is survived by her daughter Kathy Rose and her husband, Matt, of Boston; her siblings Dr. Robert Cockroft and Janet Cockroft January; her grandchildren, Whitney Dawson (Jeff) of Memphis, Charley Loeb (Rachel) of Atlanta, and Hogan Rose of Boston; and her four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband J. Howard Lammons; her son, John Lammons; her mother, Katherine Cockroft; her father, Dr. William Cockroft; her stepmother, Gladys Cockroft; and her brother Don Cockroft.
"Miss Kitty," as she was famously called, was a graduate of Central High School and attended the University of Tennessee. She was both a former Duchess and Queen of Memphi as well as a member of Chickasaw Country Club and The University Club of Memphis. She took great pride in her charitable work with Le Bonheur Children's Hospital amongst her many endeavors.
Miss Kitty would say her greatest endeavor was raising her children, John and Kathy. Whether it was lounging on the sandy beaches of Destin or driving around town in her olive-green convertible, she was happy to spend time with them. She had the same sentiment for her grandchildren - and later her great-grandchildren - and always delighted in their company.
Miss Kitty traveled the world extensively with her husband, Howard, of 64 years during his tenure as President of the International Association of Holiday Inns. Her stories span six continents and dozens of countries. From Berlin to Buenos Aires or Spain to South Africa; you name it and she had a story for it.
Her vivacious personality and sharp wit were second to none. Miss Kitty enjoyed bringing people together and could hold court at any venue; be it a black-tie party, a bridge game or simply her kitchen table. All were welcome and she conversed with genuine interest and enthusiasm, present in every moment.
Visitation will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, May 1, 2025 in the Second Presbyterian Church Salmon Room, with services to follow at 11:30 am in the Chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Memorials may be sent to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital or Second Presbyterian Church.
Cemetery Details
Memorial Park Cemetery
5668 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38120 Previous Events
Visitation
MAY 1. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (CT)
Salmon Room @ Second Presbyterian Church
4055 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111
http://www.2pc.org
Funeral Service
MAY 1. 11:30 AM (CT)
Second Presbyterian Church Chapel
4055 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Katherine, please visit our Tree Store.