Katherine Winfree Beene

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Katherine Winfree Beene, daughter of the late Charles F. Winfree and Amy E. Eakin Winfree, was born December 3, 1938 in Melbourne, Arkansas.  She departed this life October 1, 2024 at her home in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 85.  Katherine was born at home beside the Old Cotton Gin that her father operated. As a kid Katherine enjoyed playing basketball.   As she grew older, she enjoyed hunting, camping, skiing at the lake, gardening, sewing and raising chickens. Most of her working years were spent at Bandmill Home Center, retiring after 20 years of employment. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Katherine is survived by three children:  Renee McCollum of Salem, Michelle McCollum and husband Doyle of Melbourne, Donnie Byram and wife Roxanne of Melbourne; two sisters:  Charlene Cornelius of  West Fork, Gerldean Hammond of South Haven, Mississippi; her companion of 18 years:  Steve Chapman of Norfork; ten grandchildren:  Lasha Fite (Todd), Mandy Brooks (Bradley), B J McCollum, Joe McCollum, Ashton Smith (Lance), Shelbie Bryam, Charlee Jo Parker (Ethan), Cody Cooper (Sage), Kelly Skidmore (Alex), Carma Byram; ten great grandchildren:  Lilah Fite, Kylie Brooks, Clay Brooks, Lynleigh Stapleton, Maverick Day,  Memphys Smith, Jett Smith, Clare Cooper, Collins Cooper, Jera Skidmore and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation and graveside funeral service will be Monday, October 7.  Visitation will be at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne from 1 – 2 p.m.    Graveside funeral will be at Melbourne Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Alex Skidmore officiating.

Pallbearers:  Doyle McCollum, Jose Collajs, Clay Brooks, Wes Hammond, Bradley Brooks, B. J. McCollum

Honorary Pallbearers:   Alex Skidmore, Cody Cooper, Ethan Parker, Lance Smith, Todd Fite, Joe McCollum.