Katherine Ray Lambert

Kathy Lambert
September 28, 1941 – November 22, 2023
Kathy Lambert of Hiawassee, GA (formerly of Douglasville, GA) passed from this life
unexpectedly on the morning of November 22, 2023.
She was born Nora Katherine Ray in Piedmont, AL, on September 28, 1941, the youngest of
twelve children born to Jessie and Oliver Ray. For most of her life, she was known by family and
friends as Katherine, Kathy, or Kat.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 35 years Neil “Red” Lambert of Hiawassee, GA; two sons,
Dennis Carvalho (wife Teresa J.) and Steven Carvalho (wife Teresa A.); four bonus-children, Neil
Lambert (wife Andrea), Dawn Horrex (husband Peter), Sherrie Dowda, and Hank Lambert (wife
Sharon); grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sarah Cleveland (husband Dylan) and son
Benjamin Cleveland; Rachel Carvalho; Erin Wilson; Jessica Parker and her children Micah,
Rowan and Elyse Parker; Kevin Horrex (wife Sara) and children Leo and Asher Horrex; Cory
Dowda and his children Raelye, Landon, and Liam Dowda; Keli Lambert; Brooke Lambert; Jim
Lambert (wife MaryKathryn) and children Tate and Cade Lambert; Leigh Brandon (husband
Logan) and children Stetson and Beau Brandon; and her sisters Mavis Jenkins, Pat Fitchjarrell,
and Louise Burrows.
She was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings (Gertrude, Clifford, Elvin, Bill,
Margaret, Otis, Ted, and Clara).
Kathy dearly loved every member of her family. She was kind, gentle, and cheerful to everyone
she met. Although small in stature, she could be a “mama bear”, fiercely protective of her loved
ones. Kathy had a passion for singing (particularly Country music), and regularly performed at
various venues with her husband Red and other musical friends.
She was a professional hairdresser for most of her career, taking pride in helping her clients
look their absolute best. She also worked as a dietician in the Douglas County and Towns
County school systems. She was admired and loved by her colleagues, customers, and children
she served.
Please join Kathy’s family for Celebration of Life gatherings on Thursday, December 7 at
Banister-Cooper Funeral Home, 678 North Main St., Hiawassee, GA 30546, and Friday,
December 8 at Heritage Baptist Church, 8800 Rose Avenue, Douglasville, GA 30134. For both
events, visitation will begin at 3:00 and the service will start at 4:00.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Kathy’s name to a church or charity of your choice.