Kathryn D. Crowder

Kathryn Leah Crowder, 81, passed away peacefully at her West Ashley home in Charleston, SC, on February 10, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Alvin F. Crowder, Jr. and her four children, Mary Beth Rivers (Richey) of Moncks Corner, Alvin Crowder (Anita) of Petersburg, Virginia, Ken Crowder (Kristi) of North Augusta and Karyn Norris (Chip) of Charleston.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Kathryn Leah Crowder will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, February 23, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Thursday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Kathy was born on August 27, 1942, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Nan and Charles Duncan and was the oldest of four children. She was raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she met her high school sweetheart, Alvin. Kathy graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a nursing degree and remained a proud Tar Heel.

Kathy was a humble servant who served for many years as a Eucharistic minister and perpetual adoration adorer at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She was a doting grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt who loved and supported her family completely.

Kathy retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs as a nurse practitioner in 2008. She previously worked as an emergency room nurse, home health nurse, and an intensive care nurse over her long career. She had a particular passion for diabetes care for veterans.

Kathy and Alvin made Charleston their home for over 55 years. In addition to her family and church commitments, Kathy enjoyed volunteering with Catholic Charities, participating in medical mission trips, and traveling with Alvin. She had a passion for cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. She leaves behind many friends and family who loved her devotedly.

In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her siblings Charles Duncan, Jr., and Deborah Horton. She is survived by her sister Mary Frances King (George) of Greenville, twelve grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Water Mission (formerly Water Missions, International), PO Box 63320, Charlotte, NC, 28263-3320, one of the many charities Kathy actively supported.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.