Katherine Blake Simpson  died at her home on July 26, 2016 surrounded by her girls and their families.

She was born Oct. 20, 1942 in Pensacola, Fla. to Noel Joseph and Grace Lockwood Blake. She was retired from Piedmont Airlines and US Airways, was a member of the N.C. Army National Guard and a veteran of the US Army.  She had a generous and loving spirit. She had her home open welcoming all with good food and drink and a place to sleep for as long as needed. She had an ability to love the marginalized, poor and seemingly unlovable—she knew no boundaries with her generosity. Although her girls yearned for a traditional household, her multitude of talents and one of a kind creativity has delighted her grandchildren, of which she was endlessly proud.

She was predeceased by her parents; in laws, Herman Hayes and Mabel Norman Simpson; and the father of her children, Jerry Norman Simpson.

Survivors: her daughters and sons-in-law, Kim Kinder (Kirby), Monica Cochrane (John), Bridget Marrs (Jerry) and Jeri Lynn Rooks (Tim); her 15 grandchildren, Colby Englund (Josh), Jordan, Jonah, Laura and Annie Kinder, Stabler, Lily Henry and Charlie Cochrane, Michael, Brady and Madison Marrs and Emily (Michael Bissette), Jacob and Ansley Rooks; a great-grandson, Macrae Blake Englund; her brothers, Alfred, Raymond and George Blake; and her sisters, Rita Perling and Therese Cole.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 at Holy Family Catholic Church with the Rev. Stephen Hoyt officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at Salisbury National Cemetery.

Memorials: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic in Mocksville, and Holy Family Catholic in Clemmon.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.