Katherine Irene Southerland Dyer

Katherine Irene Southerland Dyer, age 56, of Ashland, KY, formerly of Pineville, KY, passed away suddenly at her home on Saturday, May 11, 2024.  She was born on July 20, 1967, in Detroit, MI, to David and Joan Engle Southerland of Balkan, KY, where Kathy was raised.  

Kathy lived most of her life in Pineville, KY, where she worked in accounting, administration, and loading trains in the coal industry for more than 30 years.  She was raised as a coal miner’s daughter who loved working in the coal fields. There she came to know many people over the years, who became lifelong friends.  Kathy combined her love of the coal mines with another passion, “Relay for Life”.  She set up her National Coal team every year, for many, many years, to raise funding to help fight breast cancer.  

Most recently, Kathy was the chief financial officer of Bluegrass Surplus, Ashland, KY.  Kathy’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and friends, especially at her favorite spot, her residence at Powell Valley Resort in Lafollette, TN.

Kathy was a wonderful Christian woman who was saved and baptized as a young teenager at Whipple Missionary Baptist Church, Pineville, KY.  

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, David and Joan Southerland; and a special uncle, Willard Southerland. 

Left to cherish her memory are her soulmate, Steve Dyer, and his family; and her only brother, Robert Southerland, who resided with her for the past few years in Ashland, KY.  She also leaves behind many, many special friends, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  

The family of Kathy Southerland Dyer will receive friends on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY.  Funeral services will immediately follow with Reverend David Gibbons presiding.  

Family and friends will meet at Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, to travel in procession to Balkan Cemetery, Pineville, KY, where graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. 

Pallbearers will be Gill Elliott, Colston Baker, David Brock, Cooper Brock, Layne McClure, and Jason Crist. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Wommack and Greg Goodwin.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Katherine Irene Southerland Dyer are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.