Sarah Katharine Hampton

Sarah Katharine “Kathy” Hampton, dearly loved Mom, Mama, Mother, Gran Gran, Grandmudder, Aunt Kathy, Teacher, Neighbor, and Friend, went to be with her Heavenly Father early on the morning of January 23, 2026.

She delighted in life’s simple blessings: teaching, rock hounding, quilting, playing dominoes and 42, birding, and helping others. A faithful prayer warrior with a servant’s heart, Kathy lived her faith daily.

Kathy was born June 22, 1933, to Rosa and Alvin Walker in Coleman County, Texas. She grew up in the country where she climbed windmills, drove the tractor, learned carpentry from her ‘Daddy,’ and cherished memories of her mother sewing and baking biscuits.

From an early age, Katharine had a gift for solving math problems, and she was even sent to the principal’s office in elementary school for correcting her teacher’s calculations once too often. In high school, she was a forward shooter on the basketball team, and her parents especially loved watching ‘Katharine’ play ball.

After graduating valedictorian from Centennial High School in 1950, Kathy attended Abilene Christian College, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Physical Education. She later earned her Master of Education in School Counseling from Southwest Texas State in 1965. Over her 27-year career in public schools, Kathy made a lasting difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and administrators. She relished the “light bulb” moments when she was able to instill confidence and learning in a struggling student.

On June 2, 1956, Kathy married Dee Hampton, Jr. Together they raised four children and served in educational and service ministries at Hillcrest Church of Christ until Dee’s passing in 1982. Kathy continued her service to her Lord and to others throughout her 92 years. She had a gift for encouraging people through their hardest times and brightening ordinary days with her quiet acts of kindness.

She raised her children with grace and humor, instilling the love of the Lord and His word through her example and teaching. She created treasured moments for each of her grandchildren, celebrating moments of joy and discovery.

Kathy was cherished and loved by her children—Karla Weatherspoon of Greensboro, NC; Stella Wight of Andrews, TX; Dalvin Hampton and wife Jenny of Midlothian, TX; and Angela Stefanski and husband Robert of Anderson, IN. Her loving legacy continues through her eight grandchildren—Kaylee Weatherspoon, Thomas Wight, Abby Jones and husband Wintana, Luke Wight, Grace Wight, Jadyn Hampton, Emma Hampton, and Walker Hampton—and one great-grandson, Weston Jones born on January 24, 2026.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas, with visitation at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zambia Medical Mission.