Annie Laurie "Kitty" Worsham

Annie Laurie "Kitty" Worsham, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023, at the age of 96. Born in Lamesa, Texas, on March 3, 1927, she was a woman of unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and a lifelong passion for service and community.

Kitty was the beloved daughter of William and Alma Land. She was the cherished wife of Ray Worsham Jr., with whom she shared many years of love, partnership, and mutual growth. Kitty was a loving mother to her children Alma Byerly, Ray Worsham III, and the late Phyllis Worsham. She was also a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, who took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kitty was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, parents, and siblings, Jay, Perry, Sheldon, Opal, and Harry.

A graduate of Lamesa High School, Kitty married Ray in 1948 and together they embarked on a life of shared dreams and dedication. After settling in the Permian Basin, Kitty dedicated a period of her life to nurturing her three children as a stay-at-home mom. Once her children were in school, she filled her time with work and volunteering, often supporting churches with clerical duties.

Following the death of her husband in 1975, Kitty embarked on a career with Draper & Associates Insurance agency in Houston, where she served as an underwriter until her retirement in 2005. Her commitment to service did not end with retirement. She spent her free time volunteering at Memorial Southwest and later at Methodist Sugarland hospital until 2016.

Kitty was a woman of deep faith, a devout Christian who enjoyed attending church and bible studies. Her faith filled her life with a sense of purpose and direction, and it was a source of comfort and strength for her. Besides her religious devotion, Kitty was also an avid quilter, creating beautiful heirlooms for her children and grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic Astros fan, a passion she shared with her daughters, holding season tickets for over 15 years.

The final years of her life were spent at Atria Westchase in Houston where she was a treasured resident. Her warm personality and spirit of resilience made her an integral part of the community, and she was cared for as if she were family.

Kitty is survived by her children, Alma Byerly and her husband Jay, and Ray Worsham III and his wife Lin. She leaves behind a legacy of love with her grandchildren, Will Byerly, Meg Williams, Robert Manning, James Worsham, Carrie Worsham, Annie Worsham, Laura Weyer, and Dorothy Byerly, as well as her great-grandchildren, Lily Manning, Emma Lomongo, Georgia Williams, Clayton Williams, Myles and Mary Catherine Byrne. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, who will remember her fondly.

Kitty Worsham was a woman of faith, devotion, and resilience. Her life was a testament to her belief in service, community, and family. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family members and all those whose lives she touched. May her soul rest in eternal peace.