Katherine Payne Gooding

October 29, 1996 - September 26, 2020

Katherine Payne Gooding, age 23, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. She was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to parents Douglas and Missie Gooding on October 29, 1996. Katherine graduated from Mount Pisgah Christian School in 2015 and later enrolled in the United States Naval Academy where she was passionate about her life as a Midshipman. She was also a soon-to-be graduate of Florida State University’s Meteorology Program. Katherine is survived by her loving parents, Douglas Jay Gooding and Missie Payne Gooding; sisters Emily Caroline Gooding and Haley Elizabeth Gooding of Atlanta, Georgia, loving grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Katherine (or to many friends, “Kat”), was passionate and driven about many things, but above all else her faith in Jesus and constantly worked to grow closer to Him. People that knew her, know confidently where she is today. She was a member of and grew up in Peachtree Presbyterian Church, but built strong connections in multiple church families. She loved many communities of friends, teachers and mentors throughout her life whether connected through church, school, the USNA, tennis, marathons, yoga and an everyday joyful life and “whole hearted” living. She also had challenges in her life and loved countless people that laughed and cried with her, providing unlimited love and support. She loved the beauty of sunflowers and the unconditional faith and love they represent. A memorial service was held at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta on October 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., with limited attendance due to the current pandemic. The service is available to watch via https://livestream.com/peachtree-church/events/9066255/videos/211803521 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Katherine’s name may be made to the Atlanta Youth Tennis & Education Foundation (AYTEF.org), whose mission is to enrich the lives of underserved youth through tennis and education both on and off the court. AYTEF aims to help every child achieve greatness through programming that emphasizes character development, academic achievement, healthy lifestyles, community engagement, and fun. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)