Kathy Shanks

Kathy Sutton Shanks, age 67, of Cookeville, Tenn., went to be with her Heavenly Father, on March 8, 2022, at her home after a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Kathy was born on October 12, 1954, in Cookeville, TN to the late Mr. Walter Evans and Anita “Keeble” Dunavin Sutton. In 1974, she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Morgan “Wayne” Shanks. Kathy received a Bachelor’s degree in General Science, Biology, Chemistry and Earth & Space Science from Middle Tennessee State University in 1976 and a Master’s degree from Tennessee Tech University in 1979. She was able to share her passion of science and learning with all the students she influenced in her 30+ year teaching career with the Putnam County School system. Kathy continued to further impact students through a coaching career in women’s tennis and track & field. She was a member of many professional organizations and served as the head of the science department while at CHS. Kathy went above and beyond for both her students and colleagues. You could often find her before and after school in the chemistry lab or in the classroom tutoring and mentoring students. She made it her life’s work to help every student achieve success. Kathy was a member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Cookeville where she and Wayne raised their three children, Tiffany (Matthew) Davidson, Andrea (Andrew) Langley and Wayne “Wes” (Alexandra) Shanks. Her biggest joy came from being “KK” to her seven grandchildren: Easton Davidson (14), Graham Davidson (11), Baylor Kate Davidson (10), Court and Garrett Langley (7), Camrin Shanks (9) and Tanner Shanks (6). Kathy was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind countless, beautiful memories. Kathy is survived by her first cousin Ann Carol (Mike) Scarlett and her double first cousins Mary Esta (Tom) England, and Danny (Joyce) Sutton; her mother-in-law Wanda Shanks, brother-in-law Walter (Lynn) Shanks and sister-in-law Cindy Shanks Houseman; her nephews and nieces Walter Shanks, Robert Shanks, Rachel (Josh) Settle and Sarah (Danny) Dorr; and her sister friend Tish (Richard) Sliger. She was preceded in death by her first cousin Lucretia and Harold Maynard; her father-in-law Walter Morgan Warren Shanks and brother-in-law Stanley Shanks. Adam Garrett, Danny Sutton, Daniel Sutton, Ben Swann, Mike Scarlett, Tom England, Robert Shanks, Josh Settle and Danny Dorr will serve as pallbearers. Her grandsons, Easton, Graham, Court, Garrett and Tanner will serve as the honorary pallbearers. The family is thankful for all those who have prayed for and given care to Kathy, especially caregivers Shelly Tucker and Leslie Reese. The family is also appreciative of Kathy’s medical providers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, CRMC and Dr. Brian S. Waggoner, MD of Cookeville, Tenn. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org. Visitation and service will be held at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church located at 565 E 10th Street, Cookeville, Tenn. 38501. Visitation will occur on Thursday, March 10, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday March 11, 2022, at 9:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. Rev. Christian Smith, Dr. Charles McCaskey, and Rev. Donnie Davidson will officiate. Burial will immediately follow the service in Buffalo Valley at the Maddux Family Cemetery located on the Shanks Farm at 2900 Maddux Cemetery Rd, Silver Point, Tenn. 38582. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 You may share memories and condolences at hhhfunerals.com.