Kathy Willingham, age 70, of Carthage, Texas, formerly of Tyler, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, in Carthage.

Katherine Wyatt was born on September 28, 1955, in Germany to the late Mason L. Wyatt and Hazel Evelyn Cook Wyatt. Kathy was a dedicated lifelong learner, earning her PhD in Oklahoma. She went on to share her knowledge and passion for education as a professor at Tyler Junior College, where she specialized in Basic Computer Integration Systems and touched the lives of countless students through her teaching.

In 2004, Kathy married George Willingham, who preceded her in death. Kathy found joy in life's simple pleasures and creative pursuits. She enjoyed riding bicycles, sewing, traveling, and especially cherished her love for cats. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a longtime member of Green Acres Baptist Church, where she sang in the church choir and faithfully attended the Jim Echols Sunday School Class.

Kathy moved to Carthage from Tyler in 2022, where she continued to live with grace, kindness, and a quiet strength that will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Pavilion at Rock Hill Cemetery in Brownsboro, Texas, with Kevin Burdette officiating, under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

If desired, memorials may be made in Kathy's memory to Accent Care Hospice, 1505 W. Panola, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.