Kathy Gail “Kat” Cossey, 62, of Savannah, Tennessee departed this life to her heavenly home on Monday, September 4, 2023, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Kathy was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 24, 1960, to William Vernon Reaves and the late Robbie Laverne Hunt. On August 8, 1987, she wed Donnie Cossey, Sr., who survives.
Kathy had a larger-than-life personality and never met a stranger. She was a lifelong resident of Hardin County where she enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her family. Kathy was an outstanding cook and baker and shared her servant’s heart with others, by never hesitating to take food to those in need. Kathy loved cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, especially the band and beloved Mascot, Smokey. She was the ultimate Tennessee gameday hostess where you were guaranteed to laugh and have a wonderful meal. Kathy loved to get together and play board games and dominoes. She loved watching the Price is Right and also got to attend one of the shows. Kathy also loved cheering on the New York Yankees. She loved to get out on the dance floor whenever she could, was an avid animal lover, and loved riding horses growing up.
Kathy was a member of Riverview Baptist Church where she loved her ladies Bible Study group. She spent many years serving on mission trips and was known for her Blue Bell the Clown children’s ministry. Kathy loved spreading joy to the children of St. Jude and Le Bonheur as Blue Bell. Kathy had a heart for children and the elderly and would often sit with and help care for them. Kathy was a wonderful source of encouragement sending out daily devotions to her friends and loved ones. Kathy was blessed with many dear friends, and her family is grateful to everyone that offered encouragement and support in various ways throughout her cancer journey. One of the greatest treasures of her life was being Nana Kat to grandson Cooper.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Donnie Cossey, Sr.; sons, Joseph Briley of Crump, Tennessee and Matthew Cossey of Savannah, Tennessee; grandson, Cooper Briley of Savannah, Tennessee; stepson, Donnie Cossey, Jr. of Savannah, Tennessee; her father Vernon and her second loving mother Mabel Reaves; sister, Donna; brother, Jeff; several nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and a special aunt Elaine Ford. Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Robbie; brother, Tim; infant brother, Joey; and half-brother, David Beckham.
Services were held on September 8, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah in Savannah, Tennessee, with Allen Guyer and David Baker officiating. Burial followed in the Neill Cemetery at Savannah, Tennessee.
