Kathy Still McAlister, Ph. D.

Kathy Still McAlister, Ph.D., 80, of Clinton, SC passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, surrounded by family.

Kathy was born in Albemarle, NC and graduated from Albemarle High School where she was a majorette. She entertained locals and residents at senior centers as a ventriloquist and also won a talent show with her favorite doll, Jerry. After attending Wingate College, she settled in Clinton, SC to start a family.

With her entrepreneurial spirit and love for animals, she opened Clip and Snip Pet Shop/Kennel, which led her to become a professional AKC dog handler. She traveled across the nation showing standards poodles, winning many Best in Show awards and participating in the Westminster Dog Show.

Kathy felt inspired to help children and families in the community and became a guardian ad litem, Christian counselor, and the Founder/CEO of Knox-Wesleyan Home for Youth. She impacted hundreds of youth and was devoted to rehabilitating families, never ceasing to remind all of God’s love, forgiveness, and the power of prayer.

In retirement she continued to learn, create, and travel. She enjoyed playing piano, fishing, soap-making, gardening, sewing, making meals from scratch, and hosting family dinners with never an excuse not to use the fine China or crystal. She filled her home with home with family traditions, children, grandchildren, pet and the words of Jesus.

Special thanks to the Self Regional Cancer Center. Kathy deeply valued her doctors and nurses for their skill, compassion, and care over the last six years. She believed their work was a testimony to medical expertise and God’s miraculous healing. She was a member at Davidson Street Baptist Church in Clinton, SC and when visiting in Texas, attended Lakeway Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughters Melony Honeycutt (Daniel Ramirez) of Houston, Texas and Dana (Mike) Crowe of Clinton, SC; her grandchildren, Samantha McAlister, Charlotte Crowe, June Crowe, Jack Crowe, and Stella McAlister; her siblings Starr (Gary) Wagoner, Roy Still, Jr., and her extended family in North Carolina. She was preceded by husband, JB “Mac” McAlister, Sr., parents, Roy and Rubye Still, and son Timothy McAlister.

A memorial service will be held on May 13, 2026 at 2pm at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Clinton, SC. Private burial to follow.

Memorial service flowers are welcome.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the McAlister family with services.