Katherine Smith Tinker

TINKER, Katherine Smith (aka Sister Smith, Hell on Wheels), 81, peacefully passed away while surrounded by family at St. Mary’s Hospital on April 23rd. Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, and is survived by her two children, Kass (Will) and Biff (Jessica); five grandchildren, Tucker, Sydney, Parker, Maddox and Mona; and one great grandchild, Colton.

Katherine, a lifelong resident of Ashland, Virginia (Center of the Universe), lived the last 35 years in the renovated parish house of the original St. James the Less Episcopal Church. She started her career as an elementary school teacher and eventually followed her passion to become an artist. For more than 50 years, Katherine honed her craft as a folk sculptor. A proponent of all things colorful, a lover of Christmas year-round, a good bourbon, her pets, (of which there were many) and admired for wearing converse high top tennis shoes to church, Katherine was a formidable force of liberal attitude and unending love for her family, friends, community, and church. Katherine loved living in Ashland and also enjoyed spending time at the Chesapeake Bay. She was a skilled bridge player, an original member of the “Adventurers” and an avid bird watcher (usually from her tree house). She touched the lives of many.  

The family thanks The Rev. Rock Higgins for his unwavering support and the outpouring of love Katherine received in the last hours of her life by way of numerous cards and letters which were lovingly read to her at her bedside.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. James the Less Episcopal Church, 125 Beverly Road, Ashland, VA 23005.

A service in remembrance of Katherine will be announced in the days ahead. God speed mom, we love you and miss you!