Katherine Obituary

Katherine J. Barton, pioneer and long-time resident of Oak Ridge, died Friday, January 11, 2013, in Birmingham, AL, her home of the past 7 years. She was 92 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents Fred S. Jackson and Brinnie B. Jackson of Landrum, SC, by her husband James C. Barton, and by her siblings Margaret J. Johnson of Tallahassee, FL, Marie J. Weeks of Columbia, SC, and Fred S. Jackson, Jr. of Landrum, SC. She is survived by her children James C. Barton, Jr. of Birmingham, AL and Katy B. Wilson of Nashville, TN, by grandchildren Ellen B. Blackmon and J. Clayborn Barton of Birmingham, AL and Kate N. Wilson of Nashville, TN, by great-grandson Frederick M. Blackmon, III of Birmingham, AL, and by her sister Grace J. Ingram of Greenville, SC.

Mrs. Barton earned a B.A. degree from Coker College in Hartsville, SC and a Master's degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. She taught Spanish at all levels in Oak Ridge Schools and also studied and taught in Mexico and Spain. She founded the James C. Barton Memorial Scholarship to support higher education of select graduates of Oak Ridge High School who had attended Jefferson Middle School. An avid traveler, she made many trips to diverse locations in North, Central, and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Her favorite destinations were Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. She was a Life Master of the American Contract Bridge League. For many years, she was a member of the Oak Ridge Garden Club who enjoyed gardening and horticulture. Knitting was her favorite pasttime. She was a member of the United Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Coker College, 300 East College Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Park on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in a private ceremony.