Mary Kate Ladd

Mary Kate Ladd, 84, of Atoka, Tennessee, died at her residence on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Born on August 28, 1941, she was the daughter of the late A. E. Balthrop and Gladys Brown Balthrop. Mary Kate worked for Federal Express for sixteen years, serving as a Senior Invoice and International Advisor.

Mrs. Ladd found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved reading, shopping, and watching Hallmark movies. A gifted cook, she delighted in preparing favorite meals and treats for her family, especially her grandchildren. Whether it was baked apples, spaghetti, or anything chocolate, “Granny” always made sure everyone felt loved through her cooking. Christmas was especially meaningful to her, and she created treasured memories each year with beautiful decorations, ornaments, and cherished holiday traditions.

She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: two daughters, Terri Nelson (James) of Byhalia, Mississippi, and Sherrie Wood (Mike) of Atoka, Tennessee; one son, Jerry Ladd (Lauri) of Cape Coral, Florida; six beloved grandchildren, Heather Wood, Heath Wood, Cody Nelson, Lauren Wood, Brittany Nelson, and Kara Roberts and two great grandchildren, Brayden Campbell and Kassidy Roberts.

Funeral services for Mrs. Ladd will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home, with Mr. Patrick Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of forty-four years, Richard “Buddy” Ladd, Jr.; four brothers, Ed Balthrop, Ralph “Shorty” Balthrop, and Billy Balthrop; and two sisters, Sue Ladd and Jo Ann Ladd.

Honoring Mrs. Ladd as pallbearers will be Mike Ladd, Jeff Ladd, Charles Funderburk, Bryan McBride, Jason Shelton, and Jonathan Ownby.

The family asks that memorial contributions be directed to the Tennessee Alzheimer's Association at Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc.  East TN Office, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Online condolences may be made to the family at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home’s website. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Kate Ladd.

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