Kathleen, age 63, passed away on September 29, 2026, at her home in Columbia, Tennessee, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of the late Rayfield Wellman and Jean Alcorn Wellman, she filled her years with hard work, laughter, and a generous love for the people around her.

To know Kathleen was to know a personality that could hardly be contained in a room. Her sense of humor was over the top, her spirit was adventurous, and she knew how to turn an ordinary gathering into a good time. She was the life of the party, but she also made sure everyone else had a place in the fun. With Kathleen around, a quiet, uneventful afternoon was never a sure thing.

She approached life much the same way she approached repairs: roll up your sleeves, get in there, and figure it out. Kathleen could do just about anything she set her mind to. She didn’t mind a little dirt, a difficult job, or a challenge that might have sent someone else looking for the phone number of a professional.

Of course, life wasn’t all work. There were fish to catch, University of Kentucky football games to cheer through, and NASCAR races to watch. Kathleen loved the chance to cast a line, enjoy herself, and spend time with others. Whether the fish were biting or not, she knew how to make it a good day.

For all her humor and determination, Kathleen’s greatest gift was her heart. Caring for others came naturally to her. Through her own daycare, she looked after children; throughout her life, she looked after anyone who needed a helping hand. If someone needed something she could give, she gave it. She was the kind of woman who would offer the shirt off her back and then wonder whether there was anything else she could do.

That generosity never faded, even when her health began to make her own days harder. Kathleen still found ways to put others first, often keeping her struggles to herself. Those closest to her knew the strength it took, and they will remember the resilience that kept her caring, giving, and bringing light to the people around her.

Her love lives on through her children, Greg (Amber) Geater, Jody (Perry) Kyles, and Matt (Julia) Geater; her grandchildren, Breaunna, Kole, Alyssa, Joshua, Destinee, Perry III, Ryker, Tyler, Alexy[JK1] s, Jon, and Whitley; and her two great-grandchildren. Her memory will be cherished by her sister, Suzanne (Gene) Alberts, and several extended family members.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James “Jim” Wellman, and her beloved partner of 24 years, Kay Lawson.

Kathleen leaves her family with stories that will be told again and again, the kind that bring a laugh before anyone can get to the ending. In those stories, she will still be full of life: fixing something, helping someone, finding the fun, and giving all the love she had to give.

The care of Kathleen Kay Geater has been entrusted to the caring staff of Williams Funeral Home. To share words of comfort and condolences, please visit www.williamsfh.com.