Obituary of Kathleen Amelia Wellborn

Kathleen Miller Wellborn, age 94, of Deep Gap, passed away on the afternoon of October 5, 2022 in the home she built with her late husband, Johnson L. Wellborn. Born to Alonzo Green Miller and Bessie Emeline Moretz on February 19, 1928 she was the fifth generation to be a native of Watauga County. She earned her bachelors in elementary education from Lenoir Rhyne University and then went on to receive a master's degree in education from Appalachian State Teachers College. Kathleen taught at Champion, Elkland, Parkway, and Fleetwood elementary schools. She prided herself in her homemaking; she never let anyone leave the house hungry, including some dogs that were made omelets. She sought to see the good and positive attributes in every situation, and person that crossed her path. This virtue made her a favorite to many. Mrs. Wellborn is survived by her daughter, Vicki Lynn Shaki and husband, Abram, of Deep Gap, and their children, Aaron Shaki of Deep Gap and Abigail Shaku of Israel; her son, Kevin L. Wellborn and wife, Jane of Boone, and their daughter, Kait Wellborn of Greenville, SC; and sisters, Sarah Hunt of Danbury, VA and Mary Sue Payne of West Jefferson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnson L. Wellborn; brothers, John, Paul, Kent and Robert Miller; and a sister, Ann Posternak. Memorial services for Kathleen Wellborn will be conducted Wednesday afternoon, October 12, 2022 at 1 o'clock at Grace Lutheran Church, officiated by Pastor Stephen Troisi. A reception will immediately follow services in the Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Gap Creek Cemetery Fund, in care of Nathan Miller, PO Box 49, Boone, NC 28607. On line condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Wellborn family.