Kathleen McCarthy Wilkerson Liggett

February 8, 1952 - September 22, 2009

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Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Saturday 9/26, 11:00 am

Kathleen McCarthy Wilkerson Liggett, 57, died on September 22nd of complications from Churg Strauss Syndrome.Kathleen was born in Odessa on February 8, 1952, the daughter of William Cossey and Jean Douglas Wilkerson. She grew up in Borger, Texas, graduated from Borger High School and attended North Texas State University, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Masters in Library Science. She worked as a Public Librarian in Amarillo, Texas, Leominister, Mass. and Muskogee, Oklahoma.She later attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas and received a second Bachelor's degree, this time in Education. She taught early childhood and elementary grades in the Winfield area, in Garden City, Kansas, and for 14 years in Big Spring, Texas. She was employed briefly as a school Librarian at Midland Freshman before taking disability retirement in 2007.Her passions included her family, her Church, her dogs, and swimming. She was active in Delta Kappa Gamma, Master Gardeners, The West Texas Reading Library, and the cultural life of Midland. Her greatest involvement was in the life of Saint Nicholas' Episcopal Church, where she served in a variety of capacities over the last two years.In May of 1977 Kathleen was married to the Rev. James Liggett, who is currently the Rector of Saint Nicholas' Episcopal Church in Midland. Their son, William James, is a recent graduate of the University of the South and is currently employed by GT Environmental Finance in Austin, Texas.In the play A Man for All Seasons, someone ask Thomas More "And if I am a great teacher, who will know?" More replied, "You. Your students. God. Not a bad public, that." Much the same can be said for being a wonderful mother and a loving wife. Kathleen will be deeply missed by the many people whose life she has touched.Kathleen is survived by her husband, her son, and her sister, Susan Wilkerson of Arlington, Va.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Endowment Fund of Saint Nicholas' Episcopal Church.The funeral will be Saturday, September 26th at 11:00 AM at Saint Nicholas' Episcopal Church, 2000 W. Loop 250 N. in Midland.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at:www.npwelch.com,

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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Saturday 9/26, 11:00 am

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yOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. MAY YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES HELP TO SUSTAIN YOU THRU THIS DIFFICULT TIME. TANYA

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Kathleen was a joy to have on our CSS list and her presence there will surely be missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

I "knew" Kathleen through the CSS board and through private emails. She was always so nice and friendly and understanding. We CSSers are a small-knit group, and we feel a deep loss of one of our own. I hope it comforts her family to know that she helped and inspired a lot of people who will always remember her fondly.

Some people move into and then out of our lives without leaving a mark. Kathleen was certainly not one of those people. She was a special person with the capacity to love, share, give, teach and truly change the lives she touched. I was saddened to read of her death but I know of her faith and have no doubt about her eternal home. I pray for the blessing of peace for Jim and Will. Kerma Crouse

I just found out about Mrs. Liggett and want her family to know that my knowing her comes from her teaching my daughter at Bauer and I will cherish the fond memories I have of her. Rev. Liggett, the same time my daughter was in her class, I attended your class at Howard College and recall talking with you about how wonderful my daughter felt about her.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I was very sorry and surprised to hear of Kathleen's death. She was a very special teacher and I know that many children learned so much from her. I taught for her when she had her hip surgery. My sympathy to you, her husband and son. Cherish your precious memories of her.

I have always thanked God for bringing Kathleen and Father Jim into my life. I was a single mother trying to raise 3 children and did not know many people in Big Spring. Kathleen befriended me and helped me when I needed it most. I shall miss her. Father Jim and Will please know that I am thinking about you guys and praying for you.

I was saddened to hear of Kathleens death. She was a shining light in our congregation in Winfield many yrs ago. We all enjoyed her so.

What a joy it was to have had Kathleen for a friend. I taught with her in Garden City and we shared a special connection. We could talk and laugh for hours. We shared a passion for teaching and never tired of coming up with new ideas to try with our students. We also shared a faith in Jesus Christ. What a privilege it was to pray for her every day after she became ill. She spoke of being surrounded by a blanket of prayers. What a beautiful picture. And now, an even more beautiful picture - I can imagine her with our Lord. She will always have a special place in my heart and I look forward to seeing her again someday. My love and prayers are with Jim and Will. Love, Kay Linville

We are so sorry to hear of Kathleen's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Will.

I am very lucky to have had a teacher as wonderful as Mrs. Liggett. All the trouble I got into and she was there for me and uplifted me when I lost the most important person in my life. She was one of the caring and fun teachers I had, and I will never forget all that she was.

Mrs Liggett was a awesome teacher who inspired us to do great things in our lives. She made learning fun. She was truly a blessing from God and we are thankful that she was our teacher and that God allowed us to meet such an wonderful person. We are very saddened by her passing but we are thankful that one day we will see her again. Our prayers go out to her family and we pray God comforts them at this time. We will never forget her.

Jim and Will, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your family has a special place in our hearts. The memories of our early years in Winfield and Grace Episcopal are treasured ones - especially the newness of our babies and their baptisms. One Easter, Kathleen taught me to make palm crosses and hot cross buns - what fun we had! Love, Sarah

I am so glad I had the privilege of knowing and working with Kathleen. Her love of teaching and passion for learning inspired her students and those of us who were fortunate to work with her. She will be greatly missed. Kathleen was a very, very special lady. My condolences to her family.

Jim and Willam our prayers are with you . We missed you and Kathleens service to Grace Episcopal Church. Kathleen always had such a beautiful and sweet way all the time. REV 21:4 AND TEARS SHALL BE NO MORE. Our hope and faith always follow us. Love Mary Caye and Barbara

Kathleen was a beautiful person, inside and out. Our prayers are with Father Jim and Will during this difficult time. Kenny and Patti Brown Big Spring, Tx

Remembering Kathleen's work with the Junior Master Gardeners at Bauer and her willingness to work on MG projects that benefitted Big Spring & Howard County. She will be missed. Jane & DW

I enjoyed getting to know Kathleen at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Big Spring, but it was when I worked as an aide in her classroom at Bauer Elementary a few years ago that I realized what a gift her teaching ability was. She had such creative ways of engaging students and kept the classroom in such order without need for raising her voice. I looked forward to having time to talk with her about any subject at all; she was an intelligent, assertive woman and a role model for many.

I worked at Bauer Elementary, Big Spring and I have missed Kathleen every since she moved to Midland. She was a fellow animal lover. She inspired students to do better and she taught students to admire and preser ve nature. She and I traveled together to teacher workshops. I dearly loved her wit. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jim and Will.

Kathleen was an amazing woman. Her enthusiasm and zest for life enriched all around her. Her grace through adversity has been an inspiration to us all. I will be reminded of her each time I pass her various gardens at Bauer Elementary School. Kathleen will continue to live on in the lives she touched in her family, her church, at school, and in the community. I am honored to have known her.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We offer thanks to God for a woman of great charity and joy. In her struggle she continued to make a gift of herself without reservation and never lacked hope. Rest in peace, dear Kathleen, and our prayers, Jim, brother in Christ. Mark and Doris

We are saddened by Kathleen's passing but greatful in the knowledge that she is with our Lord. Know that your family is in our prayers and thoughts in the days and weeks to come. Our wish for you is to feel comfort from all of the love and prayers that are surrounding in your time of mourning. Love, Mike and Dana

I taught with Kathleen for four years at Bauer in Big Spring. She was a wonderful teacher and caring friend. I will greatly miss her.

Kathleen was a wonderful addition to our church family. Whether serving in the choir or as a lector, she brought joy and erudition to all that she did. We will miss her very much. Our condolences to the family. Jeff Hewett and Mary Beth Anton

Jim... Kay Light e-mailed me about Kathleen. So very sorry (beyond which there is almost nothing to do or say, except offer respectful silence and prayers). It is too soon for people our age to die! Courage, blessings, and peace, as befits the moment.

I have fond memories of cub scouting, swim meets, school activities and being clubsisters with Kathleen for many years. Life goes so fast. I am so sorry for your loss. Her's was a life well lived.

Kathleen brightened the lives of many and enriched the lives of her students. We shall miss her. Shirley Shroyer

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.