Kathryn (Katy) Elizabeth Burleson

Kathryn (Katy) Elizabeth Burleson was born in Huntsville, Texas on September 8, 1966, and returned to our Lord on June 11, 2024. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 17, at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, 6221 Main Street in Houston. A reception will follow.

Katy lived in Huntsville until she was 3 years old, surrounded by her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. After her brother Edward was born, her parents relocated to Houston, where she lived most of her life. From a young age, Katy grew up in an environment of knowledge and learning. Her mother taught middle school history, and her father taught English and computer literacy at middle and high schools. Her parents supported her love of reading and her interests in linguistics and history by asking her questions and encouraging thoughtful reflection on her newfound knowledge. As an adult, Katy found that her calling was also teaching. 

She briefly returned to Huntsville to earn a bachelor’s degree in education at Sam Houston State University before settling in Houston to teach middle school English. Katy enthusiastically shared her love for literature and the English language with her students. She relished breaking down the etymology of words or grammar rules to improve her students’ English abilities or recommending books to encourage a lifelong passion for reading. Among the schools at which she taught, her favorite was Orange Grove Elementary School in the Aldine School District. There, she found a supportive community among the staff and curiosity and enthusiasm among the students. In her final year as a teacher, she earned a special teaching certificate to provide intensive support to students who would benefit from learning in more individualized settings.

Although Katy was a teacher by profession, she was a student at heart. She could always be trusted to have a book within arm’s reach. She loved dissecting the plot or structure of her latest science fiction or fantasy novel and sharing her analysis with anyone who would listen. Katy was also a gentle and compassionate soul who provided a loving home to multiple stray cats. In all aspects of her life, Katy was deeply attuned to the injustices of the world and worked to embody the change she wanted to see. Through her passion for high fantasy, Katy fully expressed the powerful woman within her to glory out of a tragic past when she roleplayed mighty warriors shoulder-to-shoulder with long-time gaming friends. She cherished her friends, especially Nick Hung, who was a great source of comfort and support.

Katy is survived by her brother Edward C. Burleson, his wife Namiko, and their daughters Lena and Julia; uncle Richard Horn, his wife Ann, and their daughter Abigail; cousin Edward A. Burleson; and cousin David A. Burleson, his wife Mery, and their son Derek.  Katy was preceded in death by her mother Allison E. Edwards, her stepmother Heather A. Burleson, and father Glynn F. Burleson.

Memorials can be made to Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church (palmerchurch.org) or your favorite social justice charity.