Kathryn S. Chastain, 96, of Huntsville, Texas, was born to Ernest D. and Minnie Marie Smith in Marshall County, Alabama on May 4, 1927.

She met her husband, William (Bill) Chastain, at Jacksonville State College, and they were married on October 21, 1949. They shared 25 years until Bill passed away in 1975 at the young age of 48. They started their lives together in Alabama, moved around some, but eventually settled in Houston, where Bill worked for NASA.

Kathryn loved to work with children and teach young people. She was a High School teacher and taught typing and shorthand. Later, she became an elementary and preschool teacher. In 1984, she and her business partner, Alma Smith, purchased the preschool where she worked and renamed it Sunshine Children's World. The business grew over the years, adding a private school for children up to 2nd Grade. She and Alma sold the business and retired in 2006 when Kathryn was 79.

Kathryn was an active member of Sagemont Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and volunteered in Vacation Bible School.  She loved cooking, reading, and having dinner promptly at 6:30 while watching Wheel of Fortune. She would sit and read her devotional each morning, making notes and drinking coffee. She had a sweet tooth, something which all of her children inherited.

Kathryn was active and proudly lived on her own up until being diagnosed with Leukemia less than two months ago. Her nurses and doctors said she was "one tough cookie." After learning of her illness, she refused to feel sorry for herself but faced her prognosis head-on. She died as she lived, showing courage and strength to her final breath.

Kathryn often mentioned in her last few weeks that she had a good life, a good husband, and good children. She also doted on her six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William M. Chastain. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Michael Chastain & Elizabeth, Kathy Stroud & Travis, and Stephen Chastain & Aracely. Her loving grandchildren are Amber Chastain Knauss, Marcus Stroud, Wesley Stroud, Brandon Stroud, Bryson Chastain, and Grant Chastain. She is survived by her sister, Nell Mathis, and was preceded by her siblings, Edwin Smith, Edith Swords, and James Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Texas, on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 10:00 am. Graveside services will immediately follow, where she will be laid to rest at Mayes-Addition of Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville.

The family would like to recognize the loving service of the caregivers Martha, Ana, Debra, LaTonya, and Cindy. Also, special thanks to Devotion Hospice, who were with us in person or on the phone whenever we needed them. in lieu of flowers contributions can be made in memory of Kathryn Chastain to First Baptist Church Children's Ministry.