Class Notes

Katherine Lynn Anderson, 32, passed away in Birmingham, Alabama on August 23, 2021 with her devoted parents by her side. Katherine’s life calling was using sign language to tell the stories of those who otherwise could not be heard. Born January 24, 1989 in Irmo, South Carolina, she always felt the state of Alabama was her home as it was the gathering place for family events and celebrations. Katherine graduated from JP Taravella High School in Coral Springs, Florida in 2007 and graduated Cum Laude in 2011 from Maryville College with a Bachelor of Arts including a double major in Sign Language Interpreting and American Sign Language/Deaf Studies. In 2013 she graduated from the prestigious Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. with a Master of Social Work degree specializing in working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations. Since her graduation from Gallaudet in 2013, she worked for the Alabama Department of Mental Health Office of Deaf Services and at the time of her passing was the Region V Interpreter Coordinator for the State of Alabama. In her eight year career as an interpreter, she was able to participate in some of life’s most precious moments such as interpreting for a non-hearing couple through the birth of their child, communicating through sign language with the mother, and then relaying it to the doctors and hospital staff. Katherine was due for a shift change midway through the labor and selflessly stayed with the couple until their child was safely delivered. Recently, she purchased a new home near Birmingham and enjoyed making it her own. She had a dedicated craft room where she did everything from machine monogramming to making custom soaps for a friend’s baby shower. Another of her favorite things to do was hosting a weekly girl’s night with her beloved puppy, Tate, always underfoot welcoming and charming guests. She also enjoyed trips with her friends that included skydiving and zip line courses. Katherine was incredibly close to her parents, Beth and Glenn Anderson, and treasured their family time together. Katherine was a true gift to those around her, and her legacy is one of immense skill, kindness, compassion, and dedication. Katherine achieved what we all hope to in her 32 years of life; leaving this world a better place than when she entered it. Katherine was preceded in her death by her grandparents, Gil and Anne Crane and Owen and Bessie Anderson, all from Decatur, Alabama. She is survived by her parents, Beth and Glenn Anderson, of Opelika, Alabama and countless extended family members. The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham for the thoughtful care they provided for Katherine and continue to provide for the community. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 27 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 801 Jackson St. SE, Decatur, Alabama with visitation from 10:00 AM- 10:45 AM and the ceremony immediately following. Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Westminster Presbyterian churchhttps://www.wpc-decatur.org/giving/ or The American Lung Association https://www.lung.org/