Kathryn Kimbrell Rider, age 93, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Born on February 11, 1932, in Mount Airy, Georgia, Kathryn was the second of ten children born to the late Tom and Bonnie Pitts Kimbrell. From an early age, she learned the values of faith, hard work, and devotion to family—principles that guided her throughout her long and meaningful life.
Kathryn devoted many years of faithful service to Fieldale Farms Corporation, where she retired after a dedicated career. Above all else, she was a family woman. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose life revolved around caring for others. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and steady presence will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her. When her health allowed, she attended Mount Airy Baptist Church, where her faith was quietly lived out through kindness and compassion.
In addition to her parents, Kathryn was preceded in death by her son, James Rider, Sr.; her daughter, Janice Anderton; her brothers, Loyd Kimbrell, Joe Kimbrell, Howard Kimbrell, Wilkie Kimbrell, Edward Kimbrell, and Ralph Kimbrell; and her sister, Betty Payne.
She is survived by her children and their families: her son and daughter-in-law, Tommy Harold and Terry Rider; her daughter and son-in-law, Betty “BJ” and Walter Tigrett; and her daughter-in-law, Dorothy Rider. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, J.C. and Mary Kimbrell, Efford Kimbrell, and Carol Kimbrell. Kathryn leaves behind a cherished legacy through her grandchildren, Judy Dyer, James Rider, Jr., Ronnie Hunter (Michelle), Johnny Rider (Wilma), Tim Moore (Mary), and Bobby Moore (Trissy); sixteen great-grandchildren; and twenty great-great-grandchildren. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Scott Ledbetter and Chaplain Susan Collins officiating. A private family interment will follow in East View Cemetery in Mount Airy.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the service hour on Tuesday.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Kathryn’s devoted caregivers and the hospice team, whose love, grace, gentleness, and compassionate care brought comfort and dignity to her during this journey.
An online guest registry is available for the Rider family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
