Kathryn Marie Best

Graveside services for Mrs. Kathryn Best, 85, of Gladewater will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at the Gladewater Memorial Park with Reverend Keith Wilkerson officiating. The Family will receive friends at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater Monday, September 10, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

On September 6, Kathryn Best joined the Heavenly choir where she assumed her customary first soprano chair. Kathryn Marie Best was born on February 9, 1933 in Bristow, Oklahoma to John and Angie Wendell. At an early age, she and her family moved to Gladewater, Texas. She attended Gladewater schools, making many lasting friendships. One of the people she met was a handsome young man named William "Bill" Best. A wonderful love story began and they were married on December 20, 1948.

Kathryn was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was kind, sweet and gentle, seeing the best in everyone. To her family, she was our Nonnie and was a faithful wife, devoted mother, and an awesome grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was a happy place, full of love and beauty and the always present jar of freshly baked cookies.

Anyone who knew Kathryn Best knew her love of music. God gave her a wonderful soprano voice and she used this gift to glorify Him. She sang in the choir of First Baptist Church of Gladewater for over 50 years. Kathryn and Bill sang together for many weddings and funerals in East Texas. They truly made beautiful music together. She also enjoyed being a member of the Gladewater Music Club and was especially proud to be honored with a lifetime membership for her years of service.

Kathryn was preceded in death by Bill Best, her loving husband of 64 years, parents John and Angie Wendell, and two brothers Clayton Frazier and Johnnie Wendell.

She leaves behind her son Steven Best of Gladewater and wife Patty, son Shane Best of Longview and wife Cindy; grandchildren, Joshua Best and wife Robin of Longview, Caleb Best and wife Brooke of Dallas, Ben Best of Vancouver, Canada, Blake Best of Kilgore, Ashleigh Best Seidel and husband Ryan of Midland, Tyler Woodrell of Waco, Michael Best of Ft Worth, TX, and Andrew Best and wife Cara of Memphis, TN.; great-grandchildren, Joel Best and wife Alyssa, Jacob Best, Madyson Seidel, Kaden Seidel, and William Seidel as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Nonnie leaves us with precious memories and the joy of knowing that she is healed and singing praises for eternity!

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in lieu of flowers.