Biography: Katherine Holston Swanson was reunited with her husband Kermit, sons Kim and Kevin, on Sunday, June 15, 2008. She was born in Poplarville, Mississippi to Nora Etta Bilbo and Junious Tillman Holston on July 2, 1918. From childhood Katherine was taught about faith and tithing by her beloved maternal grandfather John Bilbo. Growing up, John frequently took Katherine to his prayer tree, where they prayed. As part of his farming, Alonso designated every tenth acre to the Lord. From his upbringing Katherine learned to love the Lord and followed Him faithfully throughout her lifetime. Katherine met Kermit Clarence “Red” Swanson of Stratford, Connecticut during WWII. They were married February 11, 1943 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Shortly thereafter, Kermit was shipped overseas with the 8th Air Force. She joined the armed services and during the war was a surgical technician. Katherine and Kermit had three children; Kim, Kevin, and Kathy. She also had two “adopted” daughters that she loved very much, Kris Farmer of Little Rock and Pamela Claypool of Clinton, Mississippi. Katherine had many interest, including; porcelain painting, floral decorating, gardening, reading, planning socials for friends and family and most importantly teaching the Naomi Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church. During her lifetime she read the Bible in its entirety over ten times and continued to study it daily. Katherine also believed in the power of prayer and was known as a prayer warrior. Katherine loved sports. During high school she was the center on the state championship basketball team. Katherine was also an avid Ole Miss Football fan. She was ever zealous in pulling for Eli and Peyton simply because their daddy was Archie Manning. She also loved the Atlanta Braves but would root for the St. Louis Cardinals when they were not opponents. Katherine was a wonderful cook and many were thrilled to hear that a Pecan Pie or a Mississippi Mud Cake was cooling in the kitchen. She always loved welcoming friends to her home with a delicious delicacy. Many people will remember Katherine for her wonderful mind, dry wit, and engaging sense of humor. She delighted in pulling practical jokes, particularly on her son-in-law. Katherine is survived by her daughter Kathy Swanson McBryde and son-in-law Mark of Little Rock. The family wished to thank all of Katherine’s friends and church family who have been faithful in their support and prayers during her illness. Special thanks to the physicians and staff at SICU and CVICU at Baptist Health Center. Their compassionate care and understanding was greatly appreciated. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 18 at First Baptist Church, at 10:00 a.m., #62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas. Interment will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 20 at Springhill Baptist Church in Poplarville, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Baptist Church or Christ Church of Central Arkansas, both in Little Rock. Funeral arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com