Kathleen Martin Karcher

Kathleen “Granny” Martin Karcher, age 95, of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026 in Vancleave, MS, surrounded by her loving family.

Kathleen was born on March 27, 1930 in New Orleans, LA to Lawerence L. Martin, Sr and Madeleine Thiberville Martin. Kathleen graduated from St. Joseph Academy in New Orleans, LA. She has lived in Ocean Springs since 1970.

Kathleen found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved sitting by her window and watching the wildlife along the bayou, and she especially cherished Christmas Day-her favorite holiday-spent celebrating with family and friends. Her home was often filled with her many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom shared a close and loving bond with her.

A lifelong animal lover, Kathleen never lived without a pet in her home and even kept family dogs whenever she could. Over the years, her compassion extended to all creatures, including a flying squirrel and a skunk, with many stories her family and friends remember fondly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence L. Martin, Sr and Madeleine Thiberville Martin; her husband, Michael J. Karcher, Sr; her son, Michael J. Karcher, Jr, his spouse, Elois (“Lo”); daughter, Mason (“Macie”) Karcher Skelton; and son-in-law, John M. Byrd. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Lawrence L Martin, Jr, his spouse, Naomi; Donald S. Martin, his spouse Jenny; and Karl V. Martin, his spouse Trudy; and her sisters, Rosemary Chaplain, her spouse George (“Buddy”); and Marilyn Wild, her spouse William (“Bill”).

Kathleen is survived by her sons, Scott Karcher (Darlene) and Martin (“Marty”) Karcher (Mitzi); and her daughters, Kathleen Caulkins (John), Kolleen Herndon (Gary), Lisa Byrd, and Margaret (“Margie”) Kellum (companion Scott Park). Also surviving their beloved “Granny” are 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is survived by her dog Pixie, and her cat Oliver, who were constant animal companions to her.

The family would like to thank her loving caregiver, Linda Broom and the staff of Gentiva Hospice Lisa, Tracy, and Regan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30am on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 4900 Riley Road, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave., Biloxi, MS 39531. She will be buried with her husband in grave #151. Reception following at the home of her daughter Lisa Byrd, 8821 Hwy 57, Vancleave, MS 39565.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Breast Cancer Research or the Humaine Society.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Kathleen Karcher.