Kathryn Harriman

Kathryn Ann Harriman, 87, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on June 1, 2026. She was born on July 24, 1938, in Newburg, West Virginia.

Kathryn lived a life defined by love, devotion, grace, and quiet strength. She was a supportive loving wife, tender mother, proud grandmother, sister, and friend. To those blessed to know her, she was a beautiful example of what it meant to care deeply, love faithfully, and make others feel truly welcome.

Kathryn married the love of her life, Thomas L. Harriman, in 1961, but their story began long before their wedding day. They first met as children in the fourth grade. From that early beginning grew a lifelong bond built on friendship, trust, devotion, and love. Kathryn and Tom shared 64 happy years of marriage, relying on one another, supporting one another, and facing life’s joys and challenges side by side. Their marriage was a true partnership and a beautiful example to their family of lasting love and commitment.

Above all else, Kathryn’s family was her heart. Throughout her married life, her husband, children, and grandchildren were always her first and most important priority. She taught her family, not only through her words but through the way she lived, that love is the most important gift we can give one another.

Kathryn was a role model to others, especially in the way she loved and supported her husband and family. Her kindness, warmth, patience, and generous spirit made a lasting impression on those around her. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable, accepted, and loved. As a gracious hostess, she opened her home and her heart to others, creating a place where family and friends felt welcome and cared for.

Kathryn was also known for her quiet elegance and grace. Always beautifully dressed and put together, she carried herself with dignity. Yet her greatest beauty was found in her loving heart, her gentle spirit, and the way she made others feel valued.

Kathryn graduated from Newburg High School in 1956. She later worked for Sheidow Bronze Corporation in Kingwood, West Virginia, serving as a receptionist and government clerk. In that role, as in every part of her life, she brought kindness, dependability, and care to the people around her.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Kathryn was a member of Lakes Church in Lakeland, Florida. She had previously been a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Kingwood, West Virginia, and St. John’s United Methodist Church in Winter Haven, Florida.

Kathryn raised her family in Kingwood, West Virginia, before retiring to the Winter Haven and Lakeland area of Florida. Wherever she lived, she created a home filled with love, comfort, and welcome.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas L. Harriman of Lakeland, Florida; her daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Bill Ward of Lakeland, Florida, and their children and spouses, Lynnsey and Markus Brisker, Allison and Matt Singletary, Kristen and Scott McDonald, and Kelly and Brian Sheehan; their son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Dayna Harriman of Sunset, South Carolina, and their children, Connor and Holly Harriman, Tessa, Annie, and Abbey Deardorff. Kathyrn was also cherished by her 11 great-grandchildren and her sister and brother-in-law, Charlene and Robert Bolyard of Gladesville, West Virginia.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles W. Phillips and Mildred V. Stuck Phillips; her sisters, Margaret Keeney and Adaline C. McGinnis; and her brothers, William C. Phillips, James Phillips, and John H. Phillips.

Kathryn will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her unwavering love for her husband, her sweet and supportive nature, her gracious hospitality, her infectious laugh, and the way she made others feel loved. Her life was a blessing; her love was a gift, and her memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In keeping with her wishes, services will be deferred until she is reunited with her husband, at which point their ashes will be scattered together in places they loved in Florida and West Virginia.

She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.