Mary Catherine Surgener

Mary Catherine Smith Surgener, 100 of Harlan, was a devoted Christian and faithful servant of the Lord. She passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at her home; surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Saturday (September 22) at the Harlan Baptist Church with Rev. Jon Dickerson, Rev. Josh Haywood and Sean Kirklin officiating.  Visitation will be after 12:00 pm Saturday, until the funeral hour at the Harlan Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Cemetery at Keith, KY, with her nephews and great nephews serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of the Harlan Baptist Church.

Mary Catherine was born on May 19, 1918 in Harlan, KY to the late Charles Lee and Mary Weaver Smith. She was a graduate of Harlan High School and the University of Kentucky. She taught school for 31 years in Harlan, where she retired from the Harlan Independent Schools. Mary Catherine was active member of the Harlan Baptist Church her entire life. She was a Sunday school teacher, member of the Glory Singers, and active in the women's Missionary Society through the years. In addition, she was a member of the Harlan Woman's Club.

One of Mary Catherine's greatest joy was her family. Even though she never had children of her own, her stepson, niece, nephews, and former students, were all her kids. She is survived by her stepson, Johnny Surgener, and five step grandchildren, Mary Clark, Milton, and Doug Minor; Jason and Chet Surgener. She is survived by her special nieces and nephews, Marybelle (Jim) Morgan, Charlotte (Gervis) Showalter, Charlie (Kaki) Smith, Lynn Smith, Howard (Tammy) Smith, and Mike (Jennifer) Smith. In addition, she is survived by nine great nieces and nephews, thirteen great-great nieces and nephews, and one great-great-great nephew. The family would like to thank her loving caregivers: Ann Varney, Tammy Johnson, Nancy Holder, Dana Chasteen, Brenda Smith, and Diane Fultz.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chester Surgener, and her stepdaughter, Ben Alice Surgener. Her parents, and her siblings, Barney, Howard, and Charles Smith.

The family Suggest memorials be made to the Harlan Baptist Church, PO Box 883, Harlan, KY 40831, Christ Hands, 112 Railroad St., Harlan, KY 40831 or to Bluegrass Hospice Care, 2972 US Hwy 25E, Barbourville, KY 40906.

Please feel free to leave a condolence, photo, or memory at www.aljfh.com

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home of Harlan is honored to be serving the family of Mary Catherine Surgener.