Mrs. Atchley’s Legacy
Memories, memories, precious memories.
Actually, the legacy began with Kathrine’s dad, Dr. George Hamilton. He was a successful businessman and an outstanding physician- surgeon that was revered by many (my mother included). He built the Hamilton Hospital and bequeathed it to Olney. Kathrine loved telling about her dad and even though a young child, he included her in much of the Hospital’s “goings-on.” There was a great void in her young life when he died just shy of her 12th birthday. His memory and love of the hospital was always part of Kathrine’s life. When she and Glenn married in 1941 (don’t think it was part of their wedding vows), but it was understood that the hospital would remain an important part of their lives. Thankfully it did as their dedication to Hamilton Hospital remains. The donation of $100,000.00 from the Pearl M. Armstrong Estate was dedicated for the start-up of the hospital foundation. It was Glenn’s dream that he would live to see the foundation reach $1 million, and it did in 2008.
Please keep in mind that as above, these are remembered memories, hopefully accurate of both Kathrine and Anita and the friendship we shared.
Kathrine was a dedicated wife and mother-always including daughter Georgia in most everything she did. Kathrine was very involved with the hospital and helped organize the women’s auxiliary that is still very active today. She maintained the fountain and garden area at the hospital and was later involved in helping the auxiliary secure a place for their gift shop. Being the longest member of the First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years and was a member of the choir.
I got to know Glenn better while I was serving on the Hospital Board for several years. I very much respected him and his willingness to serve. At that time, he was board president and think that he retained that position until health matters interfered and his death in 2009.
I can’t remember when Anita, Kathrine and I got together and the special friendship we shared. We celebrated our birthdays together—mine in April, Anita’s in July and Kathrine’s in October— by lunching together, always remembering to thank the Lord for all our blessings. We hosted several parties together. The first one in 2011. It was a “Holiday Supper” always in December at the Atchley home. We were saddened by Anita’s death in 2017, but we maintained our longtime friendship. Although there were so many changes with the outbreak of COVID, we were very cautious, but we continued visiting during that time with Georgia always present. If I happened to bring food by, Georgia would always make sure that on my next visit, I got the container back whether reusable or not.
Kathrine, until the last few years, continued to do her bookkeeping at the Atchley Building. We always enjoyed visiting there as she had things to keep Georgia busy to limit the interruptions.
In 1997, Anita married Johnny Palmer, and she moved to Olney where they built their home together. She was a well-known educator and artist, and one quite willing to volunteer her time in the community. She was president of the Hamilton Hospital Foundation for many years. In 2012, Anita traveled to Tulsa to visit her brother in the hospital. She and her niece stayed at the Hospitality House of Tulsa. She commented that it was a godsend to be able to stay close to the hospital. She thought it would be great to have a similar place in Olney for those visiting family members in the hospital, the nursing facility, and if available, for out-of-town folks making arrangements at the Olney Funeral Home. With a donated property close to the hospital and funds available for renovations and with Anita in charge, it became a reality. Also, she was involved with updating the hospital lobby’s furniture and the purchasing of recliners for the rooms. One of the most significant projects was the enhancement of the chapel, making it a peaceful and loving place to worship. Her picture hangs beside the chapel door.
And now, with the death of Kathrine, I bid goodbye to you both, my dear beloved friends. And look forward to when we meet at again at Jesus’ feet. Always remembering that: “This is the day which the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24