Mrs. Johnnye Kate King Appleberry

Mrs. Johnnye Kate King Appleberry was called home on November 19, 2025, and stepped into the arms of the Father, surrounded by her children. Born January 31, 1936, to Marie Holloway King and John Robert King in Chambers County, Alabama. Johnnye Kate, an honor roll student and social club member, is a graduate of Howard High School Class of 1955. She married Andrew J. Appleberry and from this union had three children, Audrey L., A. Dee and Angela M. Appleberry.

In her early years she worked as a hat model for Buddy Dales Department Store. She was employed as a dietician at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She retired from the State of Tennessee Department of Children Services, where she served the families and children of Tennessee for more than 35 years. She worked selflessly to help children in foster care and protective services.

Johnnye Kate accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. Her greatest treasure was her bible that she carried everywhere. She was full of life, laughter and a genuinely kind person. She truly loved and valued her husband, children, family and friends.

She loved writing, avid reader, journaling, special writings to us which included scriptures and advice, listening to music, family movie nights, and puzzles.

Preceded in death by her parents, John R. and Marie H. King; husband, Andrew J. Appleberry; daughter Audrey L. Appleberry; sisters-in-law, Johnella Morris, Inetta Wright King, Mary A. Davis; brother-in-law, Willie Hampton and in-laws Simon and Aldee Appleberry; niece, Brenda Pride; nephews, Wardie Pride Jr., Robert King Jr., and Jonathan Dexter King.

Left to cherish her sweet memories are her loving and devoted daughters, A. Dee Appleberry and Angela M. Appleberry; sister, Mary L. King Jackson of Oceanside, CA and brother Robert Riser King of Chattanooga, TN; sister-in-law, Carolyn Appleberry of Alabama; nieces, Gwendolyn M. Thompson (Melvin), Treva Meshelle Jackson, and Henrietta Morris; nephew, Anthony Morris, great-nieces, Melyn Thompson and Marissa Thompson (Jay Watkins). great-great niece, Cadence M. Watkins and great-great nephew, Braxton Watkins; longtime best friend Anne Mayfield and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM, Monday, December 15, 2025, at Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, followed by the funeral at 11:30 AM. Burial will be held at The Chattanooga National Cemetery following the service.