Mary Kathryn Young

Canton, Mary Kathryn Bannister Young, 95, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Arrowhead Cove.

A native of Anderson County, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Willie Lee Carson Bannister.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Russell L. Young, Jr. who died in 2002.  Kathryn attended Erskine College from 1944-1948 and received her bachelor’s degree in history, attended Scarritt College from 1951-1943 and received her Master’s in Christian Education and attended Western Carolina University from 1980-1984 and received her Master’s in early childhood education.  She taught at Honea Path High School, served as director of Christian Education in Wadesboro and Charlotte, was a teacher’s assistant at Bethel and Clyde Elementary schools, and was a teacher at Crabtree Iron-Duff Elementary School.  Kathryn was a member of First United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir as a beautiful soprano.  She was president of the United Methodist Women’s Group for four years.

Kathryn is survived by a daughter, Nancy Y. Ferguson, and her husband, Neil; and a grandson, Spencer Lane Ferguson, all of Clyde.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville with Reverend Keith Turman and Reverend Betsy Caudill officiating.  Inurnment will be held at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, 604 Meadow Street, Greensboro, NC 27405 or First United Methodist Church, Building Fund, PO Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Mrs. Young has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.