Katherine Kistner

KATHERINE W. KISTNER, age 87, died at Birmingham Green Nursing Home, Manassas, VA on May 16, 2008, surrounded by her loving family. Katherine was born Eleanor Catherine Wilson in Reynolds, GA on October 20, 1920, she was preceded in death by her husband Maj. Wendell J. Kistner, Sr. (USAF) Retired, of Connorsville, WI, her parents Ollie O. Posey and Judson C. Wilson of Reynolds, GA, her sister Myrtice Lucille (Wilson) Hortman and brother-in-law Kenneth Hortman of Roberta, GA. Previously married to Franklin E. Watts of Statesville, NC. Kay as she was known, is a graduate of Reynolds High School, Reynolds, GA and graduate of Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, GA and also attended Macon Vocational School in Macon, GA. Among her many accomplishments, in 1953 she was the first woman to work for Channel 47 WETV-Macon Television Co. in Macon, GA, where she worked as a model and television performer. In 1955 she began her Real Estate Career in Macon, GA where she worked as a Sales Associate for the late Robert A. Tharpe at The Tharpe Real Estate Agency. During this time she worked and traveled as a volunteer for The March of Dimes helping with their fundraising activities as a result of her daughter Judy having polio. She was very involved in the Macon Little Theatre. While working at Robbins Air Force Base in the 1960's she accepted an Administrative Assistant position in Washington, D.C. where she worked for the Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare (H.E.W.) where she also worked as congressional liaison officer and later retired. During her tenure in Washington, D.C. she worked for Gen. Clifton (aide to President John F. Kennedy) in the White House. She was instrumental in helping to form the Dept. of Indian Affairs. While working in Washington, D.C. she made her home in Alexandria and later in Manassas, VA. While she was working in Washington, D.C. she continued her Real Estate Career in Alexandria, VA., working for Mr. James Landry at Sunland Realty. She moved to Manassas in 1971 and worked for the late Lester Marsh at Marsh Realty and Century 21 Capital Realty Corp. to name a few. Kay, was always involved in helping the community and she ran for council for the Town of Manassas. Additionally, Kay has worked as a court reporter, bookkeeper, and secretary. Ever the Entrepreneur, she opened and operated Katherine's Korner Bridal and Fashion Shop in 1973, which was located at 9015 Church St., Manassas, VA. Former member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors and the Prince William Association of Realtors. Kay always loved meeting new people and working in the Real Estate Industry. Her motto was "Your Attitude is Your Altitude." She believed in helping others and was a very generous person. Katherine is survived by her four daughters Judith A. (Watts) Shepard, preceded in death by her son-in-law, Lee Jay Shepard, Sr. of Manassas, VA, Ginger K. (Watts) Stratton and son-in-law, Eugene A. Stratton of Asheville, NC, Linda P. (Kistner) Belcher-Brown and son-in-law, Robert M. Brown of Manassas, VA, and Karen F. (Kistner) Mullins and son-in-law Joseph D. Mullins, Sr. of Summerduck, VA; four step-children, Donna (Kistner) Overall of Marrietta, GA, preceded in death by Susan (Kistner) Scott, Diane (Kistner) King of FL and Kenneth A. Kistner of Conyers, GA; 13 grandchildren, MSG Lee Jay Shepard, Jr. (USA) Ret., and wife, Kristy, SFC James A. Shepard, (USA) and wife Kim, Joel A. Shepard and wife, Theresa, Jerel A. Shepard and wife, Nerissa, Jeffrey A. Shepard and wife, Jennifer, Laurie Ann Melyssa (Stratton) Webb and husband Kenneth, Daniel E. Stratton, Lynda (Lynn) P. (Belcher) Forkell, Timothy D. Belcher II, Heather N. (Belcher) Parr and husband Andrew, Cassandra K. (Kistner) Wickline, Wendell J. Kistner II (Pete) and Bobbie Jo (Mullins) Zugner; 22 great-grandchildren, Ashlee K. Stratton, Alexandria R. Forkell, John-Austin Shepard, Caroline P. Shepard, Lee Jay Shepard III, Jacob C. Shepard, Pierce J. Shepard, Quentin L. Shepard, Abigail F. Shepard, Dylan B. Bell, Kriston R. Parr, Kirkland C. Shepard, Kaitlyn R. Shepard, Alexander W. Webb, Gabrielle C. Webb, Devon P. Stratton, Julia K. Stratton, Jacob J. Wickline, preceded in death by Megan G. Wickline, Cody W. Wickline, Tristen H. Sachs, Haylee Ann Johnson; one great-great grandson, Jeovan A. Stratton. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2008 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, VA where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 12 noon. Reception immediately following at American Legion Post 10, 9950 Cockrell Rd., Manassas, VA. Interment will be Wednesday, June 4, 2008, assemble at 8:30 a.m. at Administration Building, Arlington National Cemetery or 6:30 a.m. at Pierce Funeral Home.

Katherine Kistner

October 20, 1920 - May 16, 2008