Kathryn B. Dimmock

Kathryn B. Dimmock, Clemson

Kathryn Barbara Dimmock, widow of Col. Charles Dimmock died December 9 at Sterling House in Central surrounded by friends and family. Kay was born Oct. 17, 1918 in White Plains, NY to Leo J. and Catherine (Barron) Kalkbrenner. She and Charles were married on Sept. 25, 1941 and she spent the next 27 years making a home for her family on military posts throughout the world. She loved the Air Force life and said it was always an adventure and a chance to meet new friends. She and Charles came to Clemson in 1967, building one of the first homes on Shorecrest Drive, where they lived for the next 36 years. She was an active member of the Clemson Downs Volunteers, Retired Officers' Wives' Club, Gourmets Club and an avid Tiger fan for over 40 years. She and two friends also owned and operated the Downstairs Showcase and Downtown Showroom. They drove into Atlanta to pick up clothes and would come back hardly able to see out the back windows. She also enjoyed gardening (always in earring, lipstick and a hat) and shopping with friends. She was one of the last of her kind, the generation of women to whom Vogue's Book of Etiquette was an often used guide. Their strength and fortitude was shown only throughout their kindness and caring for others. They always knew the proper dress and etiquitte for any situation. They tried to teach their ways to their daughters, and were sometimes somewhat successful, but there will never be another generation such as theirs who moved through life with such grace. She enriched our lives and her memory will live on whenever we give or receive love and kindness from each other.

In November of 2002 Kay moved to the Sterling House of Central where she became a member of their family who was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff and residents. She so enjoyed playing cards, "dog nights", bingo, sitting in the sun with her housemates, watching Clemson football, and visiting with friends and family. We are so grateful for the staff, residents and other families of Sterling House who made our mom and us part of a huge loving and supportive family. You brightened her days. We especially thank T.C. Thomas and Doris Wilson of OMH Hospice of the Foothills for their kindness and helpful support during the last months of mom's life and Phyllis Schueren of St. Andrews for her love and friendship.

Kay is survived by children Mary Ellen (Robi) and husband Fred Zeiner, Chuck Dimmock and wife Sharon, TJ Dimmock and wife Kathi, grandchildren Chad and Katie Dimmock, Missy Dorn, and great grandson, Jacob Dorn.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 13, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church Chapel in Clemson. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:30-11:00am at the church. Burial will follow at Oconee Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers anyone wishing to do so may donate to the fund established for Christmas gifts for the employees of Sterling House. Checks should be payable to Laura Reichers, 131 Vickery Drive, Central, SC 29630.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, which is assisting the family.