Katherine R. "Kay" Harkness, 96, of Severna Park, Maryland died in her home on January 14, 2016, following a long illness. She had family with her to the end.

She was born to Fred and Viola Rimmer in Iredell County, North Carolina on March 28, 1919. She and her five younger siblings lived and grew up in Statesville, North Carolina. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from the Women's College of North Carolina (now UNC Greensboro), and then went to Hartford Seminary in Connecticut where she earned a master's degree in Christian Education. There she met the Rev. John D. Harkness and the two were married on July 26, 1941. They embarked on a fifteen year adventure in India and Pakistan as missionaries of the Presbyterian Church. This adventure began with their ship docking across the bay from Pearl Harbor during the attack on December 7, 1941.

They ministered to and served local Christian congregations in various locations in the subcontinent up to and following the Partition of India and Pakistan. During these years Kay gave birth to her four children. After their service overseas, the family returned to this country in 1956 and moved to Akron, Ohio where John served as pastor of the Margaret Park Presbyterian Church. Kay was an elementary school teacher in the Akron Public Schools. In 1969, the family moved to Severna Park, where her husband served as Associate Pastor at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church until his retirement. Kay taught in the Anne Arundel
Public School System from 1969 until her retirement in 1985.

Kay embraced life fully, possessed of a uniquely positive outlook graced by her unswerving faith which she conveyed to all who knew her. She loved her family, doted on her grandchildren,
and took pride in everyone's achievements. She was an excellent cook and loved to bring everybody around her table. Her home was a place of hospitality, books, beautiful music, bible study, prayer, wisdom, and inspiration. She was an active member of First Presbyterian in Annapolis and Woods Memorial and served in both as an elder and teacher. Kay was also active in the leadership of Presbyterian Women and Church Women United. Her energies extended to promoting Habitat for Humanity and preparing meals for the Lighthouse Shelter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, who passed away on May 13, 1980. She is survived by her four children, John (Suzanne), Esther (Richard Keck), David (Martha) and Deborah (David Hasek), her brother Harold, and sisters Hazel and Eloise: by six grandchildren: Peter (Brenda), Sarah (Ethon), William (Monet), Mary, John, and Andrew and two great-grandchildren: Dylan and Weston. She is survived by her step grandchild Wendy and step great-grandchildren Regan and Jenna. She leaves behind her devoted caregiver of the last seven years, Jacqueline Afrifa, and countless friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church on March 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. A private committal service will precede the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, donations
May be made to the Harkness Fund for Seminary Education at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church 611 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd. Severna Park, MD 21146.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com