Katherine Rumph Ezell

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathies the passing of Katherine Rumph Ezell on June, 14, 2025. Our sincere condolences to the family and friends.

Katherine Rumph Ezell was born on January 31, 1946, in Fort Valley, Georgia, to the late Andrew Rumph, Jr. and Anna Goss Rumph. She was the ninth of seventeen children born into a loving and devoted family. Katherine received her education through the public school system of Peach County.

Faith was a cornerstone of Katherine’s life from a young age. She began her spiritual journey as a devoted member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and later continued her walk with Christ at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Morris Hillsman, Sr., where she remained active until her health declined.

Katherine served the Peach County School System with dedication and pride, especially at Hunt Elementary - sharing her culinary talents with countless students and staff. She was equally known for preparing delicious meals for family and friends. Among her most celebrated dishes were her peach cobbler and her award-winning collard greens, which earned her first place in a collards cooking contest sponsored by Fort Valley State College (now University).

Beyond the kitchen, Katherine had a heart for children. She lovingly opened her home to provide a safe, nurturing space where children felt welcomed and deeply loved. Her home was often the heart of family gatherings, filled with laughter, storytelling, and lasting memories.

She was an avid lover of Gospel music. Katherine shared her gift of song as a member of the Starlets Quartet and the Senior Choir at Shiloh.

Katherine was preceded in death by her siblings: Charles King, Sr.,

Andrew Rumph III, Bennie Lee Rumph, Shellene Brown, and Anna Mae Howell.

Family was the cornerstone of Katherine’s life. She was devoted, nurturing, loving, and steadfast in her roles as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories in the hearts of her four children: Kelvin Rumph of Fairburn, GA; Pastor Gregory (Denise) Williams of Byron, GA; Antonio Rumph of Fort Valley, GA; Christianna (Eric) Carter of Montezuma, GA.

Siblings: Jimmie Lee Rumph, Stella Tucker, Marvin Rumph, Tommie Rumph, Willie James Rumph, Vera Jackson, Bobby (Shirley) Rumph, Elaine Rumph, Pastor Joseph (Penny) Rumph, Mary Williams, and Celestine Rumph (a very dedicated caregiver).

Grandchildren: Naia Williams, Kayla Rumph, Khadir Williams, Kiah Ezell, and Jayla Ezell; one Great - Grandchild: Zy’aire Jones.

She is also remembered by a host of loving nieces and nephews, including D’Audra Dewberry, a devoted caregiver, and Keith Rumph, a devoted caregiver, as well as a beloved cousin, Wincie Fuller.