Sarah Kathryn Sones

Sarah Kathryn Sones, a woman of boundless energy and imagination, passed away on May 25, 2026, at the age of 79. Her life was built on faith, family, and service to others.

Kathy, as she was affectionately known to those who loved her, was born and raised in Louisville, MS. After high school, she embarked on a diverse educational path, training in nursing, psychology, and physical education at the Mississippi University for Women. In later years, she often mused that this eclectic educational background was God preparing her for the unique life road ahead.

From childhood, Kathy dreamed of having a big family and serving her community. Driven by this passion, she founded a chapter of the Mississippi Council on Adoptable Children, pioneering advocacy for vulnerable youth in need of permanent homes. She also co-founded an adoption agency, Adoptions Ministries of Mississippi. She and her beloved husband, Larry, grew their own family through adoption. He was her anchor, and she was his sails—always dreaming of what could be and how they could serve the Lord. She worked by his side professionally, founding and running a thriving architectural firm that specialized in church design. Her contributions extended across multiple communities, and her innate desire to comfort others led her later in life to train and serve as a hospital chaplain.

Her relationship with Christ was the foundation of all she did. She sought out and cared for the most vulnerable, be they children or neighbors. She and Larry opened their home through the years to numerous foster children, at-risk young mothers, and families in need. For her, there really were no strangers, only friends and family she had not yet met.

Her blue eyes had their brightest sparkle when she was surrounded by her family and friends, immersed in nature, or traveling to explore and serve God in new places. She went on numerous mission trips, in the US and abroad and served her local churches as a Sunday school teacher and VBS volunteer. A lifelong learner, she studied to become a Master Gardener in Sumner county, TN, and joyfully served as an officer and co-president of the Louisville, MS Garden Club. She had a deep affinity for nature and reading, especially the Bible and history. She longed to visit all the National Parks and made it to most of them. She was ever passionate about her Scots-Irish heritage, though England was a close second, as her longstanding Britbox subscription proved.

She liked her toast a little burnt, never met a tomato basil soup she didn’t love, and was forever on the hunt for the perfect purse. Though she was too humble to let on, she played the piano beautifully, along with a little guitar, dulcimer, and the occasional penny whistle. She also loved her birds and rescue dogs.

Above all, her deepest devotion was to her family. She poured her whole heart and boundless energy into her husband, children, and grandchildren. She created lifelong memories for her grandkids through her annual "Nana Camp" and countless other special times. Following Larry’s passing, she embraced a challenging but meaningful chapter, making several interstate moves to live near her children and grandchildren, striving never to miss a moment of their lives. Her absence will leave an unfillable space in the hearts and lives of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

She is survived her children: Kelly (Rob) Ormsby, Mitch (Alysha Abdou) Sones, Kim (Troy) Nunn, Michael Sones, Will Sones, and Deanna Sones; her cherished grandchildren: Ian Ormsby; Hannah Abdou and Emily Grace Sones; Olivia, Tyler, and Stella Nunn; and Precious and Amiera Sones; by her brother, Paul (Linda) Woordruff, and her nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Larry Paul Sones.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at Indian Lake Peninsula Church (235 Indian Lake Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075) on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Visitation: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Service: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in Kathy's honor to Crossroads Campus, an organization dedicated to youth job training and pet rescue.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside, 615-822-4442, www.sumnerfuneral.com