Jo Kathryn Wallace
Jo Kathryn Wallace Winkle, 85, of Malvern left this earthly home for her rightful place in Heaven on November 27, 2021. What a glorious homecoming it must be!
Kathryn, Jo Kat to her friends, and family, was born April 25, 1936 to the late Clarence and Nellie Kemp Abner in Okolona, AR. Jo Kat was the fifth of nine children for the Abner’s. The family moved around the central Arkansas area working with the timber industry cutting cross ties for the railroad. They moved to timber camps in numerous locations before settling in Hot Spring County when she was very young. It was here that Jo Kat would build a life, home and family.
Jo Kat attended Cooper Assembly of God Church for most of her life. It was there that she met the sweetest boy, Clomer Dean Wallace. Jo Kat and Clomer were married on February 27, 1953. Together they built a family that continues to grow today. The two were together until God called Clomer home in 1997. The couple were blessed with three children happily leading to the reward of eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
Jo Kat was employed with Glenvale Industries. Her career with the company spanned over twenty-five years which outlasted the company names Hoover Universal Die Cast and Precision Industry. During this time, she was a member of UAW #415. These years gave Jo Kat many friendships with coworkers that would far exceed their years of employment.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 44 years, Clomer Wallace; her son, Clarence Donald “Donnie” Wallace; and eight siblings. Jo Kat loved her family beyond measure. Having lost all but one sibling early in life, there was no such thing as an “in-law” to Jo Kat. Family was family regardless how you became a member. She always considered her husband’s siblings as her own and was a doting aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Jo Kathryn is survived by her children Pamela and Leon Perry, Mike and Jann Wallace (all of Malvern) and Aida Wallace of Chula Vista. CA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Amy Perry of Hot Springs, Candi Perry, Gina (John) Hopkins, Becky (Dave) Cross, Michelle (Drew) Green, Kevin Wallace all of Malvern, David Wallace and Josh Wallace of Chula Vista, CA. She also leaves a legacy of ten great-grandchildren: Rhyanna Perry, Holton (Hannah) Boles, Skyler Cross, Cheyanne Perry, Haylea Chancellor, Dacey Cross, Briar Green, Christine Hunt, Asher Cross, and Braxton Green all of Malvern and two greatgreat-grandchildren: Arizona Riley and Tatum Boles of Malvern. Jo Kat also leaves a passel of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews that she adored and showed off at every opportunity. Jo Kat also leaves behind her great-granddog, Lulu Hopkins. Lulu and Jo
Kat shared many Lulu-sitting adventures over the years.
In her later years, Kathryn was blessed with a second marriage. Kathryn and Charles Winkle were married in October of 1998. Kathryn enjoyed the Winkle Family as her own and is survived by step-sons Wayne (Vicki) of Fort Smith, Ron (Marcia) of Little Rock and Don (the late Jamie) of Bryant. She is also survived by four step grand-daughters Mandi (Tim) Gushing of Fort Smith, Meagan (James) Matlock of Jasper, TX, Laura (Wes) Shook of Bryant, and Shannon (Aaron) Cathcart of Benton. Also surviving are twelve step great-grandchildren and a host of other Winkle Family members who loved Kathryn and will cherish their memories with her.
The Wallace Family would like to express their gratitude to grandson Kevin Wallace for being such a loving and attentive caregiver for Jo Kat during her illness. His tenderness and compassion were immeasurable.
Also a special thank you to Kindred Hospice and the staff of Encore. Your kindness has been appreciated.
Visitation will be Friday, December 3 at 10am followed by service at 11am at Regency Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow at Magnet Cove Cemetery. Pallbearers include Holton Boles, Briar Green, Drew Green, John Hopkins, Kevin Wallace and Kevin Baker. Honorary pallbearers include Braxton Green, Dave Cross, Skyler Cross, Lee Jay Wallace, Jerry Wallace, David Wallace and Josh Wallace.
Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.