Kathryn Lynn Holder, born on May 10, 1955, in Memphis, TN, peacefully left this world to be with her Savior and loved ones who've gone before on April 7, 2025, in Tulsa, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Rosemary. Kathy is survived and sorely missed by her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kristine Holder; her daughter, Willow Morrow-Holder; her nieces, Amy Holder and her wife, Joi Tobin-Coles, and Emily Holder; and numerous extended family members and dear friends. Kathy was loved and cherished by so many.

Kathy served as a teacher in Tulsa Public Schools until 2012, dedicating 40+ years to the profession. She passed the National Certification in Early Children's Education in 2002. Kathy had a passion for literacy and served on the Tulsa County Reading Council and was a member of the Oklahoma Reading Association. As an active member of Kappa Kappa Iota, an organization that seeks to promote the advancement of education, Kathy fought to improve Tulsa public schools. She helped design and align curriculum and report cards for Tulsa public schools. Kathy was a favorite teacher to students, all of whom she adored, as she advocated, loved, and taught so many children who otherwise would not have had a chance. This earned her Teacher of the Year at Kendall Whittier. For years, Kathy dedicated herself to teaching special education, encouraging her students to push themselves and unleash their potential. Kathy instilled the love and importance of furthering one's knowledge to both of her nieces and her daughter, and many of the students who had the pleasure of having her as their teacher. She was passionate and committed to make the school community, trying to make it the best it could be for students, families, and staff. Kathy was committed to Post "retirement", Kathy could not stay away from the profession she loved so dearly and sought to better the field of teaching. She taught other teachers how to provide more effective classroom management and better educate their students, helping to improve the future of education in Tulsa. She finally and fully retired just a few years ago.

Kathy had a heart of service and strived to be involved in whatever she could to advocate for the voiceless, give to those who had less, change broken programs, and improve the education system. She was an active member of the Catholic Church and truly embodied what it means to live like Jesus. During and after fostering and adopting her daughter, Willow, Kathy became passionate about improving the broken system of DHS. She was continuously educating herself on how to be a proper advocate to those in foster care and always sought ways to improve the system. Kathy was a member of a team of women who throw birthday parties for girls at the Owasso's Children's Home. She was also involved in Big Brothers and Sisters, Oklahoma's Reading Association, and frequently brought food for the Ronald McDonald House. She was a very vocal advocate for women, minorities, and those who were in underserved communities. From donating to educating to spreading the word, Kathy was moved to do her part in making a difference for these groups of people. If someone was in need, Kathy would do everything in her power to help.

Kathy loved spending time with her friends and family, whether it was a trip to St. Louis to visit her brother and his family, a trip to the lake house on Lake Hudson, or a Bunco night with her friends, this is when she was the happiest. Kathy was content just riding on the boat and relaxing while her nieces, daughter, and their friends all splashed in the lake. As long as she was with her people, she was satisfied. Bunco night, girls' trips, and long car rides were a few of the many ways she enjoyed passing time with her friends, who truly were like family to her.

Although she had so much planned after her future hip surgery, we can all rest assured that Kathy will be waiting for us, excited to tell us of the great adventures she's had in heaven. The loss of Kathy is not one that will come easy. It will be a long and continuous grieving process for the many people whose lives were touched by Kathy. But we can rest assured that she is happy, pain-free, and reunited with friends and family who've gone before her. Kathy will be waiting for us all with open arms when Jesus calls us home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following organizations:
Youth Services Tulsa
The Tulsa Humane Society
The American Heart Association
Feeding America: Donation Home Page
Foundation for Tulsa Schools

Memorial Service will be 10AM, Thursday, April 24, 2025 at St. Piux X Catholic Church, 1727 South 75th East Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112