Kathryne McDorman 
1906- July 8th 2008

You may also view my grandmothers guest book at al.com

I first met Mrs. McDorman in about June, 1942 when our family moved to 1907 Wellington Road - just above where the Mc Dormans lived on Kensington Road. Our mothers became fast friends and Clarence and I the same. (This friendship included setting a trot line in a neighbor's fish pond and once taking an exploding cigar to a local unpleasant man). Mrs. Mc Dorman became a second mother to me and whenever I returned to Birmingham after moving out west in 1961 I always made it a po int to go see her.

One story about Mrs. McDorman that I have told for years was about the time that, in about 1943 or 1944, Clarence and I went out for a morning walk with Father Patrick Yancey from Spring Hill College. We were typical small boys and were entranced to find a really swell dead snake. Clarence proceeded to take it home and proudly show it to his mother - who, at the time, was pregnant. According to what I was told she fainted dead away. Later Mr. McD explained to Clarence that while small boys love dead snakes pregnant women don't!

I will treasure the memory of this lovely and gracious woman whom I was pleased to know for so long. I think that my life was enriched by having had the privilege to know her. My deepest sympathy to all who loved her, and now miss her.

Gene Casey
gcasey000@centurytel.net
Post Office Box 236
Ashford, Washington 360-569-2229



Malcolm and I are so happy that we were able to spend time with Kathryne
shortly before she passed away. As always, she was very gracious talking
about family and friends and inquiring about our family. She was so proud
of her family. Our times with her were always enjoyable. A trip to
Birmingham always meant a visit with Kathryne.

We feel blessed that we were able to have such a quality visit with
Kathryne, never guessing, even at her age, that it would be our last visit
with her.

We will miss her.

Love,

Malcolm and Sharon 7/21/2008


 

Dear McDorman Family,

I read about Kathryne's death in the obit today. I haven't seen her in many years, but this article brought on an avalanche of good memories. I could talk a long time about them, but I am not that good a typist. I was raised in First United Methodist Church. The McDormans and our family were best friends. My mother (Camilla Rosser) loved Kathryne. Clarence,Jr and I were "nursery mates" after our births at St. Vincent's Hospital. We then became neighbors for a while which brought us even closer. I am glad to see he has taken over teaching his Dad's Sunday School Class. I won't be able to attend the service tonight but I join you and the McDorman family in spirit to celebrate a beautiful life, well lived! Kathryne Slate McDorman .

p.s.I would like to reminisce with Clarence sometime if he ever has the time....
Bobby 7/16/2008

Robert G. Rosser M.D.
1000 Ventana Road
Columbiana, Al 35051
(205)669-1286
fax (484)924-1299
mobile (205)283-0440

 


 

Dear Slate,

I hope you receive this. My ocmputer at home and at work did not work with 'Outlook Express'. I am using my in-laws computer from Florida. My Mother and I are very sorry we could not attend the service today. As I know you understand, I had plans this week which I could not change. I thought of you and your family and my prayers were with you. Please call me when you return to Mentone.

Kathryne was one or the most gracious, kind, generous, and beautiful (inside and outside) lady I have ever known. I enjoyed talking with her at Mentone about the family stories and how she and Clarence introduced my parents. I know she is enjoying being with Aunt Rozella and my dad right now. Mother loved Kathryne!! It was a special time when

Mother visited with Kathryne at the Mentone Springs Hotel for Kathryne's "l00" birthday. She will be greatly missed, but I know she is in a much better place with the Lord. Mother and my prayers and thoughts are with you, and we love you. Love,
Mary Jane Hunt Virginia Fisch Bosworth 7/16/2008


 

 

I am saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you. Charles is out-of-town on March of Dimes business, but I will let him know when I talk with him tomorrow. I only met your Mother when I was very young, but she was a lovely lady! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts.
Peace+
Kathryn Bernhard Lea 7/14/2008

 


 

The staff and students of the JSU International House join the Slate-McDormon Family in mourning the passing of their cherished mother, grandmother and friend. We extend our special sympathy to Mr. Clay Slate, esteemed Trusteee Emeritus of the International Endowment Foundation, and to all members of the family in this time of loss, sorrow, and celebration of a life of unique accomplishments.
Sincerely, Dr. John J. Ketterer Director, JSU International House and Programs 7/14/2008

 


 

Hi Kathryn, Nancy and I want to express our deepest sympathy on the occasion of your mother's death. She must have been a grand lady. Having buried both sets of parents, we appreciate your sense of loss.
Mark 7/11/2008


Dear Slate,
I'm attaching the letter I wrote Kathryne on the event of her 100th birthday. Everything I loved about your grandmother is contained therein. I wish I could attend her memorial, but work prevents me from doing so. But know that I'm out here loving Kathryne, loving her family and wishing you all much peace in the knowledge that Kathryne the Great loved you wholly... Thinking of you all and holding you close in my heart,
Ali Alison Trinkle 7/11/2008


 

Just received your message this morning. I am certainly thinking about you. Walter and Jimmy and family are out of town.
Please convey my sympathy to Clarence.
Thank you for letting me know.
Love, aunt Lucy 7/11/2008


Dear Slate and family,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Kathryne, one of the most beautiful people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  I know you'll be getting lots of comments like this, but I want to add my own high esteem for her, her grace, her kindness, her very unique way of making those around her feel special.  Her regal yet so personable demeanor was -- and will continue to be -- legendary in the Thompson family.  Likewise, she will continue to be an inspiration for all of us who were lucky enough to know her.

My thoughts are with you all at this time.  I'm so very sorry for your loss but hope you will be comforted by many wonderful memories of that wonderful, wonderful lady.

With much sympathy and love,
Tracy Thompson (Mal and Sharon Thompson's daughter)


Slate,

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and your family at this special time. Your grandmother was a very special person and God graced her with a long life. I feel privileged to have known her.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Love,
Marilyn


Slate called me yesterday and told me that she was in the hospital, and then later that she had passed. I'm so sorry. He wanted me to be there for the funeral, but I am leaving this morning to go out of town. I was going to call you lastnight, but I passed out at 9:00. I didn't know if you would be home or not. Tell Clarence that I love him and that I will be praying for him and all of you. Again, I'm sorry I can't be there......Love You So Much!
April Wed, 09 Jul 2008