Katherine Kelso Neese

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2nd Timothy 4:7-8

Katherine Kelso was born February 2, 1936, in Fayetteville, Tennessee. She was the 7th child born from the union of Tom Davis Kelso and Ethel Cordelia Short. Kitty, as she was called by family, friends, and loved ones was educated in the Fayetteville, Lincoln County School System. She attended Kindergarten through 8th grade at Market Street School and then onto West End High School, where she served as Secretary of her class all four years and was a 1955 graduate. Kitty professed a hope in Christ at a young age and was baptized by the late Rev. Simmie Sanders and became a lifelong member of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she was active in all church activities, past choir member, and past Head of Kitchen/Hospitality Committee.

It was in 1955 when Kitty met Saxophonist Daniel Carmichael Sr.  and from their union were born eight children. Kitty was loving and very supportive to Daniel Sr. and an extraordinary mother to their children. She was the definition of “A Virtuous Woman” Proverbs 31:10. In her early years, she was employed by the Motlow Family and as time went on, she was employed 17 years with Serbin Fashions, several years with Eagle Snacks, and retired from Del-Met Corporation in 2001. 

Kitty was EXCEPTIONAL at everything she did, from cooking, cleaning, sewing, just to name a few. She is best known for her fried chicken, chess squares, sweet tea and lemon ice box pies. She learned her cooking techniques and skills from her loving aunt, Mrs. Mary Short McKinney “Nadie”.  She was the neighborhood cook, hair presser/curler, confidant, and true friend. She was a 2nd mother to many people who grew up in the Womack Heights community as well as other communities within Fayetteville. She was the very best!

Kitty and her husband, Robert Roy “Dean” Neese raised her oldest grandchild, Brantalon Tyrell Carmichael from birth. Together they raised him as their very own and spoiled him wholeheartedly. They were inseparable.  

Kitty will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by parents-Tom Davis Kelso and Ethel Cordelia Short; her loving husband Robert, her loving son Daniel Carmichael Jr, and her siblings-Neal Kelso, William Thomas Kelso, Kathleen Kelso, Nancy Mae Raddler, E.B. McKinney, Harold McKinney, Freddie McKinney, and Carol Cordelia Conley.

Those left to honor and cherish the memories of “Miss Kitty” are her children: Ricky Renea (Glenda), Thomas Cortez, Barbara Danetta, Nancy Delphine (Willie), Craig (Jacqueline), Djuana, and Frederick Sr. (Sonia). Eighteen grandchildren: Tyrell, Cortney (Valentine), Brandi (Jermaine), Ricky (Andrea), Candise (Jamie), William (Lashaun), Ashley, Chanelle, Rico (LaToya), Willie, Rikisha, Bianca, Amber, Tenieka, Frederick Jr., Craig (Sara), Kiana, and Alyssa. Thirty-two great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Sisters: Bobbie Whitaker and Martha Fuller. Four stepchildren:  Robbie Neese, Earl McMullen, Vanessa Jumper, and Gwen Knott. Nineteen Nieces & Nephews, many great and great-great nieces and nephews as well as many cousins: The Kelso’s-Short’s-Edmiston’s-Jones’ and Keith’s. Very special friends: Doris McLier, Beverly Vance, Geraldine Blackmon, John & Peggy Dance and family.

Also left to cherish Kitty’s memory are her extended children and grand-children: Angela Glover, Ronette Thompson, Melissa Coonrod, The McDonald – Tate’s, Sherry and Benita Hampton, Veronica (Wayne) King, Charles Ray Palmer, Stacie and Tracie Vance, Debbie and Nicole Wiley, Zarte (Jecenia) Fowler, and Saphana (Terence) Graves.

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