Katherine Miller Easley

Katherine Elaine Easley, age 86, passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side on January 3, 2026. Katherine was born on March 22, 1939, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the middle child of William Andrew Miller and Helen Marie (Cook). When she was just six months old, her family moved to South Miami, where she grew up in a tight-knit, welcoming community that she always held dear. In 1955, Katherine moved to Hialeah, where she later married her husband, Bob Easley, and raised their three daughters, Jamie, Janice, and Joyce. For 28 years, Katherine devoted herself to shaping young minds as a third-grade teacher in Dade County schools, a role she cherished deeply. Many former students fondly remember her as their "red-headed" teacher, or even their "red-headed grandma," recalling not only her quick wit and love of learning, but also the hugs, encouragement, and sense of being truly seen that she gave so freely. In 2001, following her retirement and the passing of her mother, Katherine and Bob moved from South Florida to Jacksonville to be closer to their daughters and their growing family. Married for 55 years, Katherine and Bob were always ready to entertain and celebrate life. They loved traveling the world, taking Model T tours in their 1919 Model T, and spending time at their farmhouse in Franklin, North Carolina. They were happiest when surrounded by family, friends, neighbors, and anyone willing to stop by, especially at 5:00 p.m. for a cocktail and conversation. A vibrant part of every community she touched, Katherine gave her time and heart to her church, St. John's Presbyterian Church, the Women's Club of Jacksonville, the Confederate Jasmine Circle of the Garden Club, and numerous genealogical and heritage organizations, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of 1812, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Colonial Dames. She was always ready to host a gathering, lend a hand, or offer a prayer. Though she would often say she "wasn't talented" because she didn't paint, sing, or play an instrument, her gifts were beyond measure. She sewed dresses of every kind, from little girl dresses to prom and bridesmaid gowns. She crafted beautiful bows and floral arrangements, cooked meals that brought people together, and welcomed others into her home at a moment's notice. She was witty and quick with a joke, but just as quick with a hug. To her family, she was known for leaving voicemail messages cheerfully announcing, "This is your Grand-Moth-er," always with that familiar emphasis. Every birthday included her singing "You Are My Sunshine," and every visit left you feeling a little more special than before. That was her gift, and it is how she will be remembered. Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Margaret Pelton, and brother-in-law, Donald Pelton. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Easley; daughters Jamie Matner (Rich), Janice Billy (Kyle), and Joyce Hernandez; grandchildren Robert Billy, Jillian Litchfield (Eddy), Caitlin Kubala, and Arturo Hernandez; great-grandsons Noah, Finnegan, Owen, and Milo; brother William Miller (Laura); chosen family members Andres, Jovana, and Andre Burbano, Bob Kubala, Arturo Hernandez and Braylon Christian; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former students who loved her dearly. A memorial service will be held on Monday January 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, followed by a reception at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel Street. Arrangements are entrusted to Schnauss North East Florida Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Florida.

Katherine Miller Easley

March 22, 1939 - January 3, 2026