Kathryn Long Mcbride

Kathryn Cordelia Long McBride

March 12, 1934 - February 20, 2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Kathryn Cordelia Long McBride, who passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025.

Kathryn was one of the kindest and gentlest souls to walk this earth. A devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, she dedicated her life to caring for her loved ones. She had an immense love for animals, earning the affectionate nickname “Kat McPets.” From cats and dogs to birds and rabbits, every pet lucky enough to be in her care found a true sanctuary in her love.

Alongside her devotion to family and animals, Kathryn built a life of hard work and fierce independence. She owned and operated The El Mar Apartments at the beach for many years before returning home to Monroe, NC. There, she enjoyed a long and fulfilling career at Walmart, where she worked her way up to Manager of Menswear before retiring.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie James and Jenny Beatrice Love Long; her siblings, Betty Belk, Rachel Long, and Walter “Tuck” Long. She is survived by her loving family: brothers Tom (Flora) Long and Jim (Louise) Long; sister-in-law Mildred Long; daughters Jenny (David) McNeely and Carol (Bill) Thompson; grandchildren Crystal (Chris) Parks, Joey (Brooke) McNeely, Tracy (Johnathon) Mishoe, Ryan (Vanessa) Thompson, and David (Jamie) McNeely; thirteen great-grandchildren; eight nephews; and a special niece, Karen Darden, whom she loved like a third daughter.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Council on Aging of Monroe, NC, River Park Memory Care of Little River, SC, and Embrace Hospice House of Myrtle Beach, SC. In lieu of flowers (as they always made her sneeze), donations in Kathryn’s memory may be made to any of the aforementioned organizations, the Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

A memorial service will be held on March 15, 2025 at 1:00PM in the chapel at Gordon Funeral Service located at 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112 with burial following at Lakeland Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the McBride Family.