Dr. Katherine Mounger Lasater

Knoxville – Dr. Katherine Mounger Lasater passed away on January 5, 2026, in her 90th year at home surrounded by her family and friends. Kathy was always a model of generosity, kindness, love and southern hospitality to those she surrounded. She was an extremely active member of St. John’s Cathedral, including the Education for Ministry Program and the Flower Guild. Kathy graduated from East High School and the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.S. in Educational Psychology. She also earned the degree of Doctor of Education, with which she was instrumental in developing the Model Schools’ program. Kathy retired from the Tennessee State Department of Education where she served as the Assistant Director before being promoted to State Director of Business Education. She conducted seminars in decision-making, motivation and leadership training across the state for the Tennessee Health Care Association. Kathy also worked extensively with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a program evaluator. She has always been active in community and civic affairs and was a past member of the American Society for Training and Development, Administrative Management Society, Delta Pi Epsilon, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She volunteered her time in many areas, including as the National Director of Future Business Leaders of America. She also received her certification as an Amateur Radio Operator (WA4VGD). In addition, she faithfully served the Woodland Garden Club, the Dixie Highway Garden Club and the Lenoir City Garden Club. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles D. Mounger and Katherine Nance Mounger. She is survived by brothers Charles D. Mounger, Jr. (Madge), Dr. Emerson Jay Mounger (Joann), as well as several nieces and nephews. She not only left a legacy of leaders across the state of Tennessee, but also left a tremendous legacy in her own family. She is survived by her two sons Michael (Jennifer) and Scott (Allison), along with grandchildren Luke (Sarah) and Amy Jane Dabbs (Russell) and Ciara Lasater. Her great grandchildren Vaughn and Milo Lasater and bonus great grandchildren Taylor and Rylee Dabbs will miss her wit, kindness and fun parties. A special thank you to Covenant Health Hospice nurse, Mandee Underwood, for her extraordinary care of Kathy and kindness to the family. Receiving of friends will be held on Thursday, January 8 from 10 am – 12 noon at Rose Funeral & Cremation -Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 37919.Family and friends will then travel in procession to St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 413 Cumberland Avenue Knoxville TN 37902, for a 1:00 pm service with Father Chris Hackett officiating. Immediately following the Celebration of Life, a procession will take place to Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike Knoxville TN 37920, for the interment. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Dr. Katherine Mounger Lasater

February 28, 1936 - January 5, 2026