Kathryn Anne Kirksey Bowker (aka: Duke) passed away peacefully at her home on June 29th, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend whose gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Kathryn was born in Birmingham, Alabama on May 2nd, 1950, to Wilson and Kathryn Kirksey. As a young girl she was a member of Vestavia Country Club riding horses and was an accomplished AAU diver. She won many accolades for her diving abilities and qualified for Junior Olympics. Her family later moved to Huntsville, Alabama and eventually to Stone Mountain, Georgia, where she completed her high school education.

After graduation, Kathryn moved to California with her best friend, Glenda. It was there that she met her love of her life, Thomas Bowker. Kathryn and Tom both loved the beauty God brings to nature; they came back to Georgia to be married and exchange their vows at DeSoto Falls. Together they built a loving marriage that spanned 49 years.

Kathryn was called to care for others; she pursued a career in nursing first earning her Licensed Practical Nurse {LPN) certification before continuing her education to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Throughout her career, she was known for her compassion, dedication, and quiet strength. She faithfully served Emory University Hospital for more than 45 years, where she became a valued member of her team. During the Ebola crisis, she proudly served as part of the hospital’s specialized Ebola response team, demonstrating exceptional courage and commitment to her patients and colleagues before eventually retiring.

Above all else, Kathryn treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas “Tom” Bowker; her son, Shaun Bowker and his wife, Janelle; and her daughter, Brittany Bowker D’Amici and her husband Gianpiero. She was a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren Kason, Gabriel, Anderson, Giulia, Emilia, and Penelope, each whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

She is also survived by her brother Tim Kirksey and his wife, Julie, and their family; her sister. Deborah Nesbit and her husband Dennis, and their family; and her sister, Diane Finley and family.

Kathryn's quiet demeanor, gentle nature, and gracious heart were admired by everyone fortunate enough to know her. She always greeted others with a warm smile and rarely complained, even throughout her illness and life's greatest challenges. She remained content, hopeful, and steadfast in her faith, often reminding those she loved, "Keep the faith. Always put God first."

Her deep devotion to God and to the Blessed Mother Mary was evident in every aspect of her life. Her home reflected that faith, with peaceful places surrounded by nature where she found comfort in prayer and spent quiet moments with the Lord. Kathryn believed deeply in the power of faith, kindness, and love. She was a shining light to all who crossed her path.

Though her earthly journey has ended, her beautiful example of faith, compassion, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

The family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the loving presence of God, reunited with those who have gone before her. Her memory will forever be a blessing, and her legacy of love will live on through her family for generations to come.