Mary Kathleen Hilton Mabe (Kat) found her freedom on this the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence by going to be with her God, family and friends on July 8, 2026. Kat lived to the age of 102 so therefore, she experienced forty percent of the history of this country since 1776.

A lifelong resident of Davidson County, Kat was born on May 22, 1924, to James Vernie Hilton and Alma Gace Vaden Hilton in the Hasty community of Thomasville. Kat was one of eleven children. She learned her love for God, family and neighbors in the hard work of a family farm and life in a small community. Kat credited her longevity to this period of life and the lessons she learned.

Kat was a servant of God her entire life. She assisted her husband, Rev. Robert Mabe, in pastoral work serving four churches. In her role as a pastor’s wife, Kat directed church member weddings, acted as vacation bible school director and sang in many church choirs.  In her later years, Kat taught Sunday School and visited the elderly and shut ins as a member of her beloved home church, Greenwood Baptist Church. The last few years, Kat served as resident council president at Abbotts Creek Center. She used her skills to befriend and comfort her fellow residents.

Kat worked until 85 years of age at Hill’s Hosiery Mill. In retirement, she loved working in her yard, family vacations especially to see family in Florida and spoiling new generations of family members. Kat wrote poetry for her family and friends on many occasions in her calligraphy style of handwriting.  

Kat decided to hand in her driver’s license at the age of 96. Her driving record was perfect. She had no accidents or driving infractions on her record.

Kat loved to talk. She made friends wherever she was, providing encouragement to those around her. She was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. Kat loved to laugh and was blessed to remain mentally alert until her passing.

Kat has been described as a bright light in the lives of her family and friends. A light that will be missed.

Special appreciation to her caregivers, Dr. Gentry, Dr. Yut, Dr. Lydia, Beth, Penny, Tracey, Jennie, Toni, Heather, Mandy, Shirley, Judy, Frankie, Nurse Friday, Amber, and the staff at Lexington Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Greenwood Baptist Church with Pastor Mitchel Hayworth officiating.  Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery.  Mrs. Mabe will remain at the J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home in Thomasville until taken to the church 30 minutes prior to the service.  The family will be at the funeral home for visitation on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

To honor Kat’s love of pearls, funeral attendees are asked to wear their pearl accessories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com.