Kathy Chester Luke

Kathy Chester Luke, 70, beloved Momma, wife, sister, MiMi, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 1, 1954, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and moved in her early childhood to Mississippi Delta and then to Philadelphia, Mississippi - the place she always called home and where she met her husband, Robert "Bob" Eugene Luke.

Kathy was a dedicated teacher for many years, shaping the lives of countless students with her patience, encouragement, and belief in their potential. She poured the same love into her classroom that she did into her home, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she taught.

From the very beginning, her life was marked by strength, generosity, and a deep love for others.

She was the heart and soul of her family - a guiding light, a fierce protector, and a source of comfort and joy to all who knew her. Nothing brought her more happiness than gathering her children and grandchildren under one roof at her home. She loved decorating for the holidays, fishing and traveling with Bob, tending to her beautiful plants, beach trips with her investment club ladies, and weekly mahjong with her friends. She adored her many dogs and horses and was known for sharing thoughtful little "happies" that always made her loved ones feel special. She cherished family traditions, good conversations, and laughter over a favorite dessert or a good glass of wine.

More than anything, she was devoted to her family. She poured herself into raising her children and grandchildren, offering unwavering love, encouragement, and wisdom. Her selflessness and strength shaped the lives of those around her in countless ways.

She is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Eugene Luke of Meridian, MS; her children, Joshua Eugene Luke (Annie) of Charleston, SC, Caleb Wade Luke (Betsy) of Starkville, MS, and Elizabeth Ann Luke of Wilmington, NC; her former daughter-in-law, Theresa Butler Luke; and her grandchildren, Cooper Eugene Luke, William Winstead Luke (Bella), Maria Elizabeth Luke, Wade Hogan Luke, and George Porter Luke. She is also survived by her siblings, Charles Gregory Chester (Carri), Lori Ann Golden (Kendall), and Alan Wade Chester (Paula); her brother-in-law, Frank William Luke; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will carry forward her legacy of love and resilience.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Vernon Chester and Betty Jo Chester; her father-in-law, Hermon Eugene Luke; and her mother-in-law, Mabel Culberson Luke.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in Meridian, Mississippi, with visitation from 1–2:15 p.m. and a service at 2:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Cedarlawn Cemetery in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for the prayers, encouragement, and love received during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, now renamed Blood Cancer United.

She will be remembered for her strength, her loyalty, and her endless love.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.