09/24/2026
UNION:
Services for Kathie Keith Bounds, 76, of Decatur will be held 11 am, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Clarke Venable Baptist Church, with burial in Decatur City Cemetery. Bro. Mark Vincent will officiate.
Visitation will be held 9 am - 11 am, Saturday at Clarke Venable Baptist Church.
Kathie Keith Bounds was born on July 18, 1950, to Thomas and Johnnie Keith. A devoted follower of Christ, she lived a life guided by faith, dedicated to learning, loving, and serving others. Her influence can be seen in the many students, friends, and family members whose lives she touched. On September 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., Kathie passed from this earthly life into eternal glory. Her faith became sight as she saw the face of Jesus, and in that moment, there was no more pain, only perfect peace and the glory of her Savior’s presence.
Kathie earned a Bachelor of Science in English from Mississippi University for Women, where she was an active member of the Mam’selles Social Club. She went on to earn a master’s degree and a specialist degree from Mississippi State University.
Teaching was Kathie’s calling for more than 38 years. She began her career at Forest High School before moving to Newton High School, where she taught English and literature for 32 years.
Retirement did not end her time in the classroom. She continued teaching at Lamar Academy and the Choctaw Tribal School in Conehatta, and she served as an adjunct professor at East Central Community College. She also spent three years as a hostess at Zack Garvin’s, working alongside Don and Jeanne Vares.
Kathie’s faith was a steady part of her life. She loved her church and treasured the friendships she made in her Sunday school class, Builders of Christian Homes, where she also served as a substitute teacher. Her care for others extended throughout the community. She was a longtime member of Decatur’s Woman’s Progressive Club, participated in many service projects, and volunteered as an election poll worker.
Kathie was an avid reader who found as much joy in sharing a book as she did in reading it. She also looked forward to playing bridge with her Newton Monday Bridge Club and Luncheon Bridge Club, and Bunko with her Decatur group.
Nothing meant more to Kathie than her family. Her boys brought constant laughter into her life, and she loved their sense of humor, storytelling, and ability to keep everyone smiling. She was also blessed with daughters-in-law whom she loved as her own, cherishing the close relationships and memories they shared. Seeing her family grow brought Kathie tremendous joy, and her grandchildren were truly the light of her life. She loved cheering them on, celebrating their achievements, and making memories with them whenever she could. Annual beach trips with her family were among her favorite traditions and moments she looked forward to year after year.
Kathie will be remembered for the warmth she brought to her family, the encouragement she gave her students, and the many ways she cared for her friends and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the love she so freely gave to those around her.
Kathie is survived by her sons: Corey Bounds (Haley), Daniel Bounds (Megan) and Max Bounds (Katie); brother, Tommy Keith (Pam); grandchildren: Maggie Bounds, Chance Bounds, Brady Bounds, Logan Bounds, Katherine Bounds, Peyton Bounds, Paxton Bounds and Ripken Bounds; and several nieces and nephews.
Ms. Bounds is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Johnnie Keith.
Pallbearers will be Chance Bounds, Brady Bounds, Logan Bounds, Peyton Bounds, Camp Keith, Kirby Keith, Paxton Bounds, Ripken Bounds, and Tony “T-Bo” Clanton.
