Katharine Autrey

Katharine Autrey died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, September 23, 2007 surrounded by loving family members. Born in Autreyville, Georgia on October 22, 1916, the fourth of seven children, Katharine lived for a year in Tarpon Springs before becoming a lifelong resident of Kissimmee in 1924. Katharine graduated from Osceola High School in 1935 and from Florida State College for Women in 1939 majoring in commerce and economics, with a minor in library science. After working as librarian at Osceola High School for a few years, she headed off to New York City to work for Standard Oil Company. From there she moved to Austin, Texas to work for the Texas Department of Health. Returning to Kissimmee in 1949, Katharine went to work for her father at Autrey Motor Company and became personal secretary to Henry O. Partin of the Heart Bar Ranch. In 1971 she stayed with the Autrey Motor Company when it became Gateway Ford. Later she was employed by Mid-State Tractor of Kissimmee. Katharine was a charter member of the Silver Spurs Club when it was formed in 1941. In 1984 she became office manager for the club, a position maintained until 1998, but she continued to be an active participant and support of the rodeo association. She received the club?s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994 for her significant contribution to the organization through her hard work and dedication. Katharine was a life long member of and contributor to the First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, as well as an active member of the Osceola and Florida Cattlewomen?s Association, the FSU Alumni Association, Florida Sheriff?s Association and Florida Farm Bureau. Katharine was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel L. and Elizabeth P. Autrey and her sisters, Rebecca Larimer and Elizabeth Autrey. She is survived by her sisters, Constance Partin of Kissimmee, Sarah Horner of North Carolina, Jean Powers of Oregon and brother, Daniel L. Autrey, Jr. of North Carolina, as well as a multitude of loving nieces, nephews and cousins in all parts of the country. Katharine?s legacy is one of doing for and giving to others. She was well-known as the one who remembered all the birthdays, visited all the sick, attended all the special events of her family and friends and in the words of so many, she was always there when you needed her. A Celebration of Life service for Katharine will be held 10 A.M., Friday, September 28, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church, Kissimmee. In lieu of any flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice. OSCEOLA MEMORY GARDENS CEMETERY, FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, Kissimmee, is in charge of arrangements. 407-847-2494

Katharine Autrey

October 22, 1916 - September 23, 2007