Kathryn Marie Connell, 76, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Holly Hill Nursing Home following a long illness.

She was born on December 3, 1949, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Karl G. Einig and Lena Mary Caul Einig. A longtime resident of Valdosta, Kathryn was of the Catholic faith and a devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church. She had a deep love for flowers and reading, and she studied literature at Valdosta State University, where she also worked briefly earlier in her life.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her two sisters, Sylvia Allbritton of Valdosta and Carol Howell of Valdosta; her nieces, Cynthia (Harry) McCandless and family, and Beverly (John) Baltrus and family; her nephews, Randy (Jennifer) Dalton and family, and Steven (Alice) Howell and family; as well as many cousins and other relatives. 

She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Tommy Bussey officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Carson McLane Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home is assisting the Connell family.