Katherine "Kabby" Anne Akers

Katherine "Kabby" Akers, 73, passed away peacefully at her home in Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends whose lives she touched so deeply.

Born on January 22, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, Kabby was the daughter of the late Margaret Carey Brown and Daniel Brown. She lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and servant of God, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Kabby's life reflected her unique gifts for both science and compassion. She had a distinguished career as a food microbiologist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and earned a master's degree in pastoral counseling. Whether through her professional work, her ministry, or her relationships, she sought to understand, support, and serve others. She was also a proud lifelong supporter of the University of Kentucky and an enthusiastic Wildcats fan.

Kabby’s Catholic faith guided every aspect of her life. As a longtime member of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kabby served her parish and community in countless ways. She was actively involved in numerous ministries and charitable organizations, including the Catholic Action Center, where she helped organize and serve meals to individuals experiencing homelessness; BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct-Action), where she joined people of diverse faith traditions in advocating for and creating community-level change; The Little Mountain School, a school serving children in Guatemala; the Mary Queen Young Adults Ministry; and the Congolese Refugee Ministry. She also faithfully served as an Eucharistic minister, bringing Holy Communion to others. Kabby’s heart was especially drawn to those in need, and she quietly and consistently lived the Gospel through acts of service.

Above all, Kabby cherished her family. She is survived by her loving daughter, Rebecca (Daniel) Hill; her son, Kevin (Carolyn) Akers; her beloved grandchildren, Clark and Elliot Hill, and Bennett and Hadley Akers; her sisters, Carole (John) Anstead, Donna (Greg) Ridella, and Trisha Brown; her brothers, Dan (Wanda) Brown, and Paul (Julie) Brown; and countless nieces and nephews, dear friends, and fellow parishioners whose lives were enriched by her presence.

While her family mourns her loss, they take comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into the loving embrace of her Lord. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the communities she strengthened, and the family she loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00 p.m. Inurnment will immediately follow at Pax Christi, with a reception afterward at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to the Catholic Action Center, Little Mountain School, and BUILD, as all reflect Kabby's lifelong commitment to faith, service, and caring for others.