Mary Katherine Taylor McDaniel

Mary Katherine Taylor McDaniel of Kingsport passed away peacefully on December 9th after suffering a stroke. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Morriset and Mary Louise Eskridge Taylor of Morristown; her husband, Ed McDaniel; brother, Hugh M. Taylor, Jr; sister, Jan McCartt; and son Bill McDaniel.

Surviving are daughter Betsy McDaniel Boyer (Andy) of Winthrop, WA; grandson, Henry Boyer, Oak Harbor, WA; sister, Betty Thompson of Morehead, KY; nieces, Peg Hess (Howard) of Knoxville, Kathy Erickson (Jon) of Atlanta, Linda Baber (Mark) of Fort Myers, FL, Jana Jensen (Tyler) of Suwanee, GA, Katherine Schilling (Robbie) Columbia, SC, Stephanie Mayo (Sam) of Columbia, SC, and Denise Koester of Urbanville, IA; nephews, Jim McCartt of Knoxville, David Thompson of Morehead, KY, and Michael McDaniel (Kirby) of Parkville, MO; and many great nieces and nephews.

Family, faith, education, volunteerism, and the Tennessee Volunteers were very important to Katherine, affectionately known as “Katine” (Kah-teen) by her family. Katherine grew up in Morristown, attended Tusculum College then UT where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, and graduated with a master’s in business administration. After graduation she worked as executive secretary to the dean of graduate studies. She met chemistry graduate student Ed McDaniel at a square dance, and they married on December 20, 1954 at the Taylor home in Morristown, then lived in Knoxville.

In 1956 Ed received his doctorate then they moved to Kingsport when he was hired by Eastman Kodak. Katherine made many of her lifelong friends living at the Garden Apartments in those early years and joined the Junior League. At First Broad Street United Methodist Church, she and Ed started and led the Challengers singles group for many years, Katherine served on the altar guild and co-chaired the project of hand needlepointing the sanctuary kneelers. She and Ed were charter members of the Philosophy Sunday school class.

After Bill and Betsy arrived, Katherine was involved in school activities as well as community service. Active with Friends of the Library, she spearheaded the Books to your Door program and devoted many years to Meals on Wheels in Kingsport. Avid UT Vols fans, Katherine and Ed were football season ticket holders for over 50 years. They were active in support of the Arts as annual ticket subscribers to the Kingsport Symphony then the Symphony of the Mountains, and Barter Theater for most of their adult lives. They enjoyed their long-time couples bridge group and were committed to keeping close family connections over the years.

In retirement, Katherine and Ed enjoyed hiking, photography and being outdoors. They traveled extensively in both the US and abroad, especially enjoying many trips to be with their grandson and family in Washington State. Katherine was a steady presence who loved reading, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, fine dining and wine, and was deeply devoted to family and friends. Her genuine warmth, natural humor, and gentle strength made those near her feel loved and accepted. She was a pleasure to be around.

The family is eternally grateful to the wonderful caregivers who worked with her over the years, especially to the staff of Preston Place 2 for their compassion, humor, and steadfast care of Katherine in the last years of her life.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Randy Frye and Rev. Dr. Carole Martin officiating. The family will receive friends following in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.