Kathy Cato Jones

Kathy would like to let all her family and friends know that her work here is done. She received a call, an offer she couldn’t refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends she hasn’t seen in a long time. Kathy Cato Jones, age 73, of Hattieville, Arkansas, gained her heavenly wings on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born July 26, 1953, in McPherson, Kansas, the daughter of Calvin Leon Cato and Flossie Brimer Cato. Kathy passed away moments after sharing with her husband Clayton how much she loved him over the five decades they were together. She had two children, Shawn Sample of Hattieville and Shannon Sample, both of whom she loved and was so proud of. But some of her greatest joys were brought by her grandsons, Lane Wallace (Ashley) of Greenbrier, Landon Sample of Greenbrier, Jude Sample (Sarah) of Houston, Arkansas, and Kaden Sample of Greenbrier; and great-grandson, West Lane Wallace of Greenbrier. She is also survived by her bonus dad, Coy Sample of Hattieville; sisters, Joanie Cato Mahan (Jerry) and Polly Cato Miller (Greek); sisters-in-law, Pam Cato, Glenna Jones Schmidt, and Betty Jones Holyfield (Bobby); brother-in-law, Brigham Jones, Sr.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Those of you who knew Kathy knew she had no filter; if it crossed her mind, it fell out of her lips. This could often be a little embarrassing for the family, but Kathy was passionate, warm, and kind; she truly cared for others. She could be standing in line to buy a lottery ticket and turn to you and ask if you were saved and ready to meet the Lord. She fought her illness with unwavering courage and endured more than most would have been able to do. She reassured all those around her that when the Lord was ready, so was she. She was looking forward to seeing Shannon again along with all those who were called home before her. Kathy was preceded in death by her daughter, Shannon Sample; parents, Calvin and Flossie Cato; sister, Mary Jane Huett-Hardy; brothers, Jerl Cato and Darrell Cato; brother-in-law, Jim Hardy; sisters-in-law, Linda Jones, Ruth Jones Fields, and Margaret Sample; niece, Lisa Huett-Martin; and nephews, Kevin “Dino” Huett and Clayton Holyfield. With great comfort, the Bible promises: 1 Corinthians 2:9 states: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those that love Him.” Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, at the Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, at the Harris Chapel with Pastors Blake Martin, Coy Sample, Bobby Holyfield, and John Chapman officiating. Graveside to follow at Old Hickory Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lane Wallace, West Wallace, Landon Sample, Jude Sample, and Kaden Sample.

Kathy Cato Jones

July 26, 1953 - July 30, 2026