Kathryn Mary Shanks

Kathryn Mary Shanks passed away peacefully at her home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Friday morning, July 31, 2026, with loved ones by her side.

Born August 4, 1950, to John Anthony Shanks (Jack) and Lenita Gladys Combs Shanks (Leni) in Glens Falls, New York, her family relocated to Mobile, Alabama, where she graduated from Convent of Mercy High School, and earned a BA in Sociology from Spring Hill College, summa cum laude; she earned her MPA from Auburn University.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her brother, John A. Shanks, Jr., and sister-in-law, Debbie Hogan, of Jacksonville, Florida, nephews, John A. Shanks III of Jacksonville, Florida, and Christopher Shanks of Davie, Florida, and niece, Mary Kathryn Shanks of Salem, Massachusetts. She had no greater friend than Melanie Allen, of Ocean Springs.

Ms. Shanks was a dedicated and visionary health care administrator who positively impacted the lives of countless families throughout Alabama and Southern Mississippi. She contributed her skills in leadership roles with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Mobile Mental Health Center, Mobile County Health Department, Coastal Family Health Center, University of South Alabama, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, and Humana Clinical Services.

She was also active in community events in Ocean Springs for several years, including Friends of the Mary C., 100 Women Who Care (treasurer), the Historic Ocean Springs Association (president), and eagerly decorated the bandstand at Marshall Park for annual public holidays. She enjoyed sunsets from East Beach, home restoration, tennis, golf, Mardi Gras, the Atlanta Braves, Alabama Crimson Tide football, and believed Bear Bryant would've been a great governor.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathryn's memory may be made to the Historic Ocean Springs Association at P.O. Box 552, Ocean Springs, MS, 39566, in support of the bird and butterfly garden at Shearwater Park.

A memorial gathering of friends and family will take place at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, Thursday, August 20, 2026, with visitation at 10:00 and service at 11:00 a.m.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Kathryn Mary Shanks.