Kathryn Jane (Kersey) Markins

Kathryn Jane (Kersey) Markins, 79, of Hillsboro, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ peacefully after a nearly two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, at 6:57 pm on Friday, July 19, 2024 while surrounded by her family.

She was born June 24, 1945, in Jamestown, Ohio to the late Albert and Phyllis (Hiney) Kersey.  She was married to Charles Ronald Markins in 1970 who proceeded her in death in 1994.

She graduated from Wilmington High School, class of 1963, and The Ohio State college of cosmetology.  Kathryn enjoyed a long career serving her community in various employment and volunteer positions.  She loved living in Wilmington on Starbuck Road and Clinton County in general.  She was a member of Rotary from 2000 thru 2016, serving for one term as president in 2015 – 2016 where she was instrumental in obtaining funding for two Honor Flights out of Dayton.  She was part of the Banana Split Festival for years, as well as the Clinton County Convention Bureau (2005) and Leadership Clinton (2004).

Kathryn was a talented pianist, serving churches, schools and special events for nearly 67 years with her gift.  She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Wilmington, and after retiring to Hillsboro Ohio, a member of Belfast Community Methodist church where she continued to serve in her last years playing the piano, organizing banquets, leading the children’s Christmas and Easter programs, and teaching a bell choir.

She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends, especially her best friend Barb Riggs and sister Kay.  She loved attending any event her grandkids were involved in and was the quintessential grandma baking cookies and having tea parties with granddaughters.

 Kathryn is survived by two sons, Matthew (Kathleen) Markins of Goshen, Darren (Lisa) Markins of Union; one daughter, Karmala (Glyn) Metz of Hillsboro; four brothers Ronnie (Jackie) Kersey of Wilmington, John (Jeanette) Kersey of Milford, Don (Patricia) Kersey of Springboro, Paul (Jeannie) Kersey of Florence, Kentucky; one sister, Kay Kersey of Norwalk; nine grandchildren, Tiffany and Taylor [Matt], Elijah (Mikayla), Jenna (Adam), Trace (Rachel) and Gabe [Darren], Heather (Dan), Zac (Virginia), and Garret [Karmala]; and four great-grandchildren, John (Heather and Dan), Serenity and Lillian (Zac and Virginia), and Delilah (Elijah and Mikayla).

Kathryn is proceeded in death by parents, husband, infant twin daughters Sheri and Carrie; one brother Roger Kersey, and one grandchild Derek Metz.

Viewing and service will both be held on Thursday, July 25th at the First Baptist Church, 79 East Locust Street Wilmington, OH, Larry Stewart, officiating.  The viewing will be 11am to 1pm with the service immediately following.  She will be laid to rest in her early childhood town of Port William Ohio, Maple Grove cemetery.

Kathryn expressed extreme gratitude during her cancer journey for Pastor John Waugh and the members of Belfast Community Church, the prayers and support from First Light Church in Vandalia Ohio, and the excellent care she received by the Tri-Health Cancer Care network.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dayton where she received compassionate care in her last hours on earth. 

Smith Funeral Home in Wilmington is honored to serve the family.  For more information or to leave a note of condolence visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.

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