Katie Ainsworth

Katie Ainsworth\ Florence\ \ Katie Ruth Dear Ainsworth\ Katie Ruth Dear Ainsworth, age 97, daughter of the late Amanda Jane (Jennie) Cline and William H. Dear, passed away on August 24, 2009. She was the surviving child of 10 children born to them. She was a native of Simpson county, and other than a few years lived in Jackson, Greenwood, Centreville, and Gulfport as her husband, Buford, worked with South Central Bell, she had lived in the Harrisville/Florence area all her life.\ Kate was preceded in death by her husband, Buford, her daughter and son-in-law Louise and Glynn Neely, and her grandson, Ben Miller. \ Mama, as she was known by her children, Mamaw to her grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchildren, Aunt Kate by nieces and nephews, and "Miss" Kate by a host of friends, was much beloved and respected. She was a homemaker. She was known for her cooking, especially her chicken and dumplings, turnip greens and vegetables, banana pudding and sweet tea which she shared with family and friends and church meal gatherings. Kate was a faithful member of Marvin United Methodist Church for 58 years where she sang in the choir for many years, and also was part of the United Methodist Women. Kate loved vegetable gardening, filling her deep freeze, canning sweet pickles, and cooking for her family. She was generous in heart, and love, and helpfulness.\ She is survived by her son, Charlie Ainsworth (Ruthie), daughters Ina Mae McLeod (Pete) and Beth Miller (Tommy); grandchildren Vicki Heafner, Willie Ainsworth (Robin), Beverly Ainsworth, Cristy Bath (Chad), Karen Travis (Philip), Lauren Shields (Rod), Paige Millsap, and Jason McLeod; 14 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren with another expected in November; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.\ Funeral services will be conducted by Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, and 9 to 10:30am Wednesday 2009 at the Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Marvin United Methodist Church on N. Church St. in Florence. Burial Will be in Florence Cemetery Memorials may be made to Marvin United Methodist Church. \