Kathy Wilkes of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully at Cox South Hospice on June 4, 2025, after a brief bout of cancer. She was born in Springfield to Joe and Mary McLemore on August 6, 1964.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joe McLemore.

She is survived by her husband, Terry; children, Marcus (Jojo), and Harrison; three grandchildren, Addie, Cohen, KJ; mother, Mary; and brother, Mark (Tiffany). She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all of the Christian people she ministered to and loved over the years.

Kathy went to school in her early years at Glidewell and later graduated from Willard High School. After graduation, she went to Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri, saying she wanted to be a "teacher" but in actuality went to find a husband. She didn't find one at the College but found Terry at the K-Mart they both worked at. Shortly before they were married, Kathy went to work at Commerce Bank, where she stayed for over 40 years.

Kathy and Terry were married 39 years and had two boys, whom she adored. She effortlessly embraced the role of grandma and was smitten with her three grandchildren. Kathy and Terry were involved in ministry after Terry graduated from Bible College in 1989. Terry was a Music Minister, and though Kathy couldn't sing a lick, she would grab any available spoon or utensil and imitate the Gaither Vocal Band. Oddly enough, she did an excellent job of running the sound system at their church. She loved to bargain shop and put clothes and accessories together. Her favorite meal and drink were Mexican Villa and unsweet tea, but it's her cooking that will always be remembered. The family favorite was roast, mashed potatoes, and homemade rolls with cinnamon rolls for dessert. Kathy was always so thoughtful and generous, and she loved to laugh. She was a wonderful Christian woman who loved her God, her family, her church, and her friends deeply. As a pastor's wife, she was well-loved for the beautiful way she would interact with people and her kind spirit.

In all of these things, the glory belongs to the Lord for making her what she was and for allowing us the privilege of knowing her as grandma, mother, wife, friend, and fellow believer.