Kathleen "Kat" Nancy (Holcombe) Bartlett

Kathleen “Kat” Nancy (Holcombe) Bartlett, 101, passed away February 5, 2024, at Brooksdale Peach Tree in Statesville, North Carolina. She resided at Givens Gerber Park, Asheville.

Born in Weaverville, NC, she was the wife of the late Claude Franklin Bartlett, to whom she had been married 60 years before his passing in 2002. She was the daughter of the late Robert Bradford and Virginia Esper (Dover) Holcombe. Kat was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Holcombe, and a sister, Carolyn Freeman.

She received her education at Weaverville High School where she was voted prettiest girl in her class. She furthered her studies at the Junior College of Saint Genevieve of the Pines.

Kat and Claude were married August 16, 1942 at Carolina Beach, NC, and they later moved to Reems Creek, NC. They also lived in Buckroe Beach, VA, Tullahoma, TN, Enka and Arden, NC.

She found solace and community in her worship at Arden First Baptist Church (Radiant Church).

Kat worked at America Enka Plant for 10 years. She was a strong and caring woman, known for her gentle soul and sense of humor. She lived her life guided by her faith in God and cherished her relationships with others. Throughout her life, Kat made many friends during her 20+ years at Givens Gerber Park. She had a passion for cooking and enjoyed sharing meals with her loved ones. Family was of great importance to her, and she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Kat is survived by her children: Dennis Bartlett (Joyce), of Yorktown, VA, and Rick Bartlett (Carolyn) and Patricia “Pat” Furness, all of Statesville; seven grandchildren: Sydney Bartlett (Paul ) of Sarasota, FL, Whitney Galley (Mike) of New Port Richie, FL, Blair Dames (Mike), of Holly Springs, GA, Bart Furness (Hanna) of Lexington, KY, Alex Elkins (Jack) of Cleveland, NC, Arik Bartlett (Tori) of Hamptonville, NC, and Landon Bartlett (Cassie) of Statesville. Also surviving are her many great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Dr. Timothy Brown officiating. The service will be live streamed on this page by clicking the link with Kat’s picture just below the obituary text. Burial will follow in Pisgah View Memorial Park. Friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, from 1 to 2 PM.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Radiant Church, 3839 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden, NC 28704 or to Hospice and Palliative of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28677 or to Givens Communities, for Givens Gerber Park Residence Assistance Ministry, 2360 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.

Kathleen Nancy Bartlett will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and devotion to her family and faith. May she rest in peace.