Kathy Hornback

After graduation, I attended St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Memphis, TN before realizing that nursing wasn't for me. I returned home and attended Paducah Community College where I received an Associate Degree in Businesss which would serve me well in the future years. I received additional businesses courses from Southwestern Community College and WCU as technology changed.

While attending nursing school in Memphis, I met my future husband, Charles Wilson. We were married on July 6, 1968 at the Lutheran Church in Cairo. Charles was from western North Carolina, but living in Memphis when I met him. Our first home was in mid-town Memphis. Eventually we moved to Raleigh, a suburb. Then we moved to the little town of Arlington, TN, outside of Memphis, where we had a home on a lake.

Our son, Jason Scott, was born March 18, 1978 in Memphis. Two months later, my mother passed away unexpectedly and forever changed my life. My Aunt Alethea then assumed the duty of "grandma" to Jason. Afterwards, We moved her from Cairo to be near us in Arlington. As Charles' parents aged and their health worsened, we made the decision to move closer to them. We ended up in Sylva, NC near the Great Smoky Mountains area where we still make our home today.

Charles was self-employed as a handyman and continued his love of native crafts. he still does that today. I worked for the school system for several years before moving to the local university (Western Carolina) as a full time secretary.

While living in Memphis, I discovered "needlepoint" and soon learned how to do it. One winter when I was sick and bored, I started doing some quilting. I went from simple pieces to quilts to wall hangings and bed quilts. I love the old feed sack and vintage fabrics. I stay busy canning and freezing fresh fruits and vegetables. We, also love yard sales, going to flea markets, and fishing.

While my husband's health isn't great, he stays busy which helps. He has survived a round of cancer. He has a great faith and determination in doing things and in life. We face one round at a time. Currently, our son, Jason, is living with us after selling his home this past summer. What was supposed to be temporary, a storage unit theft changed that and for the time being it is more permanent.

Our grandson, Chase, is 8 years old and lives nearby in Haywood County. He and Jason are avid hunters and fishermen and enjoy their time together.

I haven't been back to Cairo since my Aunt Alethea passed away in 2001. Although my time spent there in 2001 then was short, I was able to visit the library and some old friends. It was hard leaving when I wanted to do and see more.