Kathryn Coon Harper, 76, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and accomplished artist, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at her home in Cadiz, KY, surrounded by dear family and friends after a challenging battle with long Covid and ALS.
Born on April 7, 1949, in Monroe, LA, she was the daughter of Luther Coon and Julia Osterland Coon, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, James Coon and Arnold Coon.
Kathryn graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master of Fine Arts degree, which laid the foundation for her successful career. For 28 years, she served as a public affairs officer for the TVA, then the U.S. Forest Service, a role that allowed her to blend her love for nature with her exceptional communication skills and creativity. In addition to her full-time career, she shared her love for the arts as an adjunct professor at both LSU and Murray State University, inspiring countless students with her knowledge and passion.
Kathryn found beauty in the world around her, and her creativity knew no bounds. Her talent for conveying the world through her art was masterful. She embraced this skill painting with watercolors, acrylics, oils and sketching gorgeous representations of people, pets, and landscapes culminating in a show of her life’s work at the Janice Mason Art Museum in Cadiz, a true tribute to her style. She was a founding member of the Janice Mason Art Museum and served on its Board of Directors, helping to foster a love for art and culture in her community. She inspired those around her to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams. Kathryn was not just an artist; she was also an accomplished martial artist with a blue belt, a certified yoga instructor, and an avid traveler who embraced life’s adventures with open arms. From her early days as a Girl Scout, she developed a profound love for nature that included horseback riding, camping, and boating.
When she met Wayne Harper, she knew she had found her true partner in this life. They created a warm, inviting, artistic and musical home in Snake Hollow among the vast Hickories, Maples and Dogwoods. They raised the first Harper granddaughter and named her after Wayne’s mother, Margaret, who was so pleased to finally have a girl after having nine wonderful sons and many grandsons. Their horses, cats, dogs, chickens and peacocks thrived on the farm often living longer than average. When Margaret and Shaun Thomas delivered her only granddaughter, Kathryn was over the moon. Julia Grace was a gift from the heavens who brought Kathryn continued joy and astonishment of how a being could be so amazing.
Kathryn saw the light in each person she encountered. She made people feel seen and heard. She took time to connect, to mentor, to provide thoughtful inspiration. She was an example of acceptance in this world that can too often feel divided.
Kathryn is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne Harper, whom she married on November 28, 1978; her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Harper Thomas and Shaun Thomas; and her granddaughter, Julia Grace Thomas.
In her honor, please do something kind for someone. If you’d like to make a contribution to support the Janice Mason Art Museum, the family would be grateful. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Goodwin Funeral Home, 138 Main Street in Cadiz, is in care of the arrangements.
