Mary Kathryn Easterling, M.D.
Born: Wed May 29, 1946
Died: Wed May 23, 2012
Visitation
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Fri May 25, 2012
Location: Our Funeral Home
Funeral Service
11:00 AM Sat May 26, 2012
Location: Beck Funeral Home Chapel
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Mary Kathryn Easterling, M.D., 65, of Rabun Gap, GA passed away Wednesday morning, May 23, 2012 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
She was born May 29, 1946 to the late H. Arthur and Elizabeth Wheeler Easterling in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Easterling is survived by a very close friend and caretaker, Irene Crane, as well as many others whose lives she touched and who loved her dearly.
She graduated from Rockdale County High School in Conyers, GA in 1964. In 1969 she received her Certificate in Respiratory Therapy, an AMA approved program, from Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA. In 1969 she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA and in 1974 she received an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing from DeKalb Community College. In 1975 Dr. Easterling earned a Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician – Ambulance, and in 1976 she became a Red Cross Multi-Media First Aid Instructor. She received her Master of Education Degree in 1979 from Georgia State University in Atlanta, and attended Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta from 1980 to 1982. In 1984 she received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, AL.; in 1987 she completed her residency in General Surgery and in 1989 she completed her residency in Urology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Easterling served her community faithfully from 1970-1974 as an Instructor of Respiratory Therapy; from 1974-80 as an Associate Professor at the College of Allied Health Services in the Department of Respiratory Therapy at Georgia State University, and as an Assistant Professor and Director of Emergency Medical Services Program at Georgia State University. She was on the Medical Staff of Piedmont Hospital from 1989-1992 at which time she joined Ridgecrest and Woodridge Hospitals Medical Staff. In 1999 she joined the Medical Staff at Rabun County Memorial Hospital and remained on the staff when it became Mountain Lakes Medical Center. In 1991, she joined the medical staff at Mountain View Nursing Home, and in 1994, she started her own family practice.
She was a devoted and compassionate physician in Clayton for many years and attended Clayton Baptist Church, and Clayton First United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be held at Beck Funeral Home Friday, May 25, 2012 from 5 PM to 8 PM. Funeral Services will be held in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 11 AM with Rev. Chuck Stutsman officiating. A graveside service will be held at 3 PM Saturday at East View Cemetery in Conyers, Georgia.
Memorial donations in Dr. Easterling’s memory may be made to The Victory Home, 320 Victory Home Lane, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Guy Gober
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Kathy you will be missed.
From all of the Gobers
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Carolyn Brewer
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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This breaks my heart to know our dear Dr. Kathy Easterling is no longer with us. She was a wonderful caring friend to each of her patients and she will be missed by all who knew her. May God give each of you, her family members,
His peace and comfort during this sad time in your lives.
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Alice Carnes Allison
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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So very sad to hear to hear of the passing of Dr. Easterling. She was a wonderful doctor and Will keep the family in my prayers.
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Lucy and Harry Bartlett
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Kathy was a good friend as well as our doctor. She took such good care of "Miss Pearl" during her final days and we always appreciated that. We have missed her over the past five months but take comfort that she is at rest.
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Debbie Youngblood & DeDe Long & Sharon Reeves
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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A special friend and person has left us for a better place. She will greatly missed.
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Lynn
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Unconditional love reciprocated
Only language spoken was truth
I am only one of so many whom you blessed with your life.
I know of no one who loved life more.
My most humble thanks to those of you who brought her comfort.
I will always love you, Kathy. You are apart of me from so many rare and special occasions where our lives crossed paths. I am a better person because of you. And I will take you forward with me in my heart forever. Thank you for YOU.
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John and Yvonne Ring
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Posted Wed May 23, 2012
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Kathy, you will be remembered always for the beautiful and loving care that you gave to mom. There aren't words or thank yous enough to say about how you made her feel. Our sympathy is here on Earth, but your reward is now in Heaven, where you can visit once again, renew that friendship, and laugh and talk forever! Love, thoughts, and prayers to your family in their loss~ John and Yvonne Ring
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Medica at Rabun Open MRI
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Please know that Dr. Easterling will be missed very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The staff and owners of Medica at Rabun Open MRI.
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Johnny Mac and Freda McFarlane.
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Our deepest sympathies to the family. Kathy will be missed by all who loved her.
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Ken & Kathy Watts
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Dr. E, your kindness, caring ways will always be remembered. Thanks for ever moment you will be missed. May god be with family members .
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Janice Robbins
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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You touched my life in so many ways with respect, honesty and humor. My health today has been restored by your thorough evaluation and referrals to other physicians. Saying she will be missed doesn't capture the loss that I feel personally in the void that I already sense in my life. Rabun County medical care will never be the same!
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Steve & Lynda Sandridge
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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So sorry to hear of her passing.....many, many great memories.
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Dr. Kathy Easterling
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Dr. Easterling was a great person and doctor. She will be missed by many. Our prayers and sympathy are with each and everyone.
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Butch and Wanda Findley
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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We will miss you so much Kathy! "Well done thy good and faithful servant."
Rest well friend.
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Eric Rowe
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Remembering Kathy Easterling with loving gratitude today. She touched many lives and will be remembered by me for her great compassion and generosity of spirit. A life that made a difference. x
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Keith W. Nehls
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Dr. Easterling was the BEST doctor I have had the opportunity to know in my 50 years. She listened to you, got to know you, worked w/ you in researching alternative / homeopathic remedies. The best bedside manner you could ask for. She was also our nursing home medical director & we just loved her. She was always pleasent, upbeat & in a style only Dr. E. could pull off. She will be very sadly missed by many people in the community. I just hope that her loving smile will continue to look down upon myself, her family, friends & the residents of Mountain View. We love you Dr. E !!
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Cindy Prince, Rabun Medical Center, LLC
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die. You will be deeply missed.
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Karen Ritchie
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Dr. E you will be missed by many you helped me a great deal Thank you for taking care of so many. Thank you for taking care of me.
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Tammy Rondel
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Dr. Easterling was a wonderful physician who truly cared for her patients. Dr. Easterling you will truly be missed by all those whose lives you touched.
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Ric and Regina Smith
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Posted Thu May 24, 2012
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Kathy always treated my brother and sister and I as her kids. She came to adopt our children as her own grandchildren as well. We will miss the opportuities to visit when she came to Savannah for conferences or to play golf. Honestly, I wish we had been able to remind her how special she has been in our lives. We are grateful for our time with her.
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verena burnette
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Dr. E. You will be greatly miss by me and all of Rabun Co. as we have lost a very special person and Doctor. My condolence to all the family.
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Deb Watson
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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My mother spoke many times of this wonderful doctor she had found. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Easterling on one of my visits. She was caring and compassionate, truly concerned about her patients. She was a very special person. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to her family and friends.
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Rita Smith and Melissa Schell
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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We will miss our Loving Dr.
With heavy hearts we say goodbye.
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Carolyn Parks
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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We are saddened by the loss of Dr. Easterling. Our prayers and thoughts are with our many friends at Rabun Medical. God Bless. Burl and Carolyn Parks
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Clara Carnes
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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I feel so sad about her passing. She had been my doctor for the past 5 years and was always so concerned and helpful about any problem I confronted her with. She will be missed by many of her friends and patients. May God Bless the family.
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Tam Rasmussen
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Dr. E.,
What an awesome lady filled with lots of energy and gumption! She was the only one who could get me out of bed at 5:30 a.m. to personal train her! I appreciate the care she gave my family as a doctor and the fun I had with her as we ran and exercised together! Our community will miss her and her expertise!
Our Father in heaven made you one special lady, Dr. E.! Tam Rasmussen
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Margaret
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Dr. E
I will always love you!
Margaret
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Charlene Fisch
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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I am so sad to hear this news...I know it 's been a hard year for her .. I was so delighted to find a Doctor in Clayton like Dr. Easterling..and always looked forward to my visits to her ....
She will be missed so much in this community.
Charlene Fisch
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NANCY BRANDON
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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My heart os broken. She was a wonderful doctor and human being.
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J.L.& Lucille Snyder
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Dr.Easterling will be greatly missed she was our doctor for a long time.Our prayers go out to the family.
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Darlene Dillingham
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Kathy you will be missed by so many..Now we all have to say "Good Bye" and wait for the great reunion day. God has called you home after a job well done here on earth... so go rest in peace....Darlene
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the neff family/lake rabun
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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expressing our deepest sympathy in your time of loss.
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Kare McCarty
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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I will miss you so much!! You are loved! Thanksgiving won't be the same without our Kathy!
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Otis Woodard
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Posted Fri May 25, 2012
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Irene and Norma, as you know I worked with Kathy for several years when I lived in Park City, UT. Over those years, we came to know one another very, very well. Many intimate conversations about the things in life that truly matter. And through all those conversations, I can say that few things mattered more to Mary Kathryn Easterling than the two of you. You were not just friends and stalwarts in her life, but she loved you unconditionally. Her feelings for the two of you escape words, and a relationship so close is rare in most lifetimes. Please know you have all my heart, my warmth and my support as you move through your transition to life without Kathy. I will miss her greatly, and my life is better for having known her. Godspeed. Otis Woodard, Yamhill, OR
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Suzanne Baeszler
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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Dr. E was not only my physician but a dear friend. She was never in a rush when seeing patients and would spend time answering questions, asking about family, or just having "girl chat". I miss her. She was loved by many. Rest in peace, dear Kathy.
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Francis B Owings MD
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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With great saddnee I learned of Cathy`s passing. She was a friend, a peer, and a patient. She will truly be missed.
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Steve and Jan Hammons
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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Dr.E
You are missed. RIP.
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Glenda Smith
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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Kathy and I went to high school together. I am saddened to learn of her passing. God bless all who love her.
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Helen R Neinast
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Posted Sat May 26, 2012
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Dr. Easterling was a consummate professional. a gifted doctor, and a compassionate friend. She will be missed by so many.
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Martha Carnes
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Posted Sun May 27, 2012
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I will miss you. You were a great Doctor and a good friend.
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Cheri Bingham
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Posted Sun May 27, 2012
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Irene,Norma, Debbie, Jenny- know that I hurt for you."E" was so special to each of you personally and professionally.The bond you had as a group is not broken, let the space she left allow you to step in closer to each other and tighten the circle. I think she would like that:)
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Kristina Gedgaudas-McClees,MD
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Posted Mon May 28, 2012
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my friendship with Kathy began about 25 years ago at Emory and continued till the present. But she had the clear and enviable advantage. Whereas I travel in total anonymity Kathy could not go anywhere without people catching her arm, hugging her, taking a moment of her time. friends and patients alike....what was her secret? for all the love she got, she returned it ten fold. a wonderful legacy. a great lesson in life; give more than you receive. enjoy every day and leave those you meet better off than they were before they met you.
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Helen & Carroll Webb
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Posted Mon May 28, 2012
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Dr. Easterling was a very special and caring person and physician. We were blessed to have been her patients. We are sorry for her loss and send our sincere condolence to her family of friends.
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Alli Hemingway
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Posted Wed May 30, 2012
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Kathy was my first cousin and I was especially saddened to hear of her passing from someone in the medical community of which I'm a part. I know Kathy was a big part of the community in Clayton and know you will all miss her.
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Cal & Sharon Krefft
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Posted Thu May 31, 2012
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We're both seniors, and have lived in many places and had many Doctors. But none more caring or interested in us than Dr. Easterling.
We're greatly saddened, and want her close friends and family to know that we'll miss her, too.
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Ann K. Lightfoot (Connie)
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Posted Thu May 31, 2012
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Kathy,
You will be missed in our community. We worked together at Emory University Clinic during your residency and then at the Rabun County Memorial Hospital. I was also a patient of yours for several years and I will miss you dearly. Connie Lightfoot
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Phil Petty
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Posted Sun June 03, 2012
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Kathy, you will be missed.
Phil
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Rik Sanchez
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Posted Sun June 03, 2012
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Kathy was such a good friend with me and to EMS, we spent hours at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, in meetings, and at her place debating medical protocols, procedures, and difficult diseases. Kathy was a dear friend who's friendship changed my life in positive ways. I will miss her candor and friendship.
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Steve Elloson
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Posted Sun June 03, 2012
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See ya later alligator.
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Glenda
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Posted Mon June 04, 2012
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RIP Dr. E... You will be missed. It was great working for you when I did.
Hope to see you one day in the great unkown...
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Julie
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Posted Tue June 05, 2012
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RIP Kathy
We had so many laughs together. You will be missed by many people at Piedmont Hospital and in Highlands.
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carol klingenberg
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Posted Wed June 06, 2012
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A person who didn't know a stranger, never complained, always upbeat. I was honored to know you. And thank you for talking with me during an entire Peachtree Road Race: it seemed like a 30 minute event.
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John vanCott
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Posted Thu June 07, 2012
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I remember when I first approached your office about taking me on as a client. You were so laid-back and easy to talk to. Thanks for many years of hassle-free
care. I will miss you...
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kanute and kathy rarey
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Posted Fri June 08, 2012
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rest in peace dear kathy. we have many fond memories from our years in clayton.
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Jim and Carol Vanderwalker
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Posted Mon June 11, 2012
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It takes such a long time to get to know that 1 primary, special MD who understands over 2 dozen medical diseases/syndromes/conditions AND their interactions with each other , the meds- ditto, the pain, and the extremes of getting a simple cold that can make you sure that this time could be the last. She did not always know it all, but managed to refer us to a specialist who did know. Thanks for all the help, chats et cetera. RIP w/o pain or Crohn's.
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Diane McCallister
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Posted Mon June 11, 2012
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May you rest in peace Dr. Easterling. You truly will be missed - we shared so many good times and hard times over the years. You taught me so much over the years and I will never forget the priceless gifts you gave to me and my family.
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Dennis Murphy
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Posted Mon June 11, 2012
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Kathy was my primary physician for almost ten years. She was always very pleasant, upbeat, and competent. I was fortunate to have enjoyed her services and will miss her.
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Charlie Bunn
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Posted Tue June 19, 2012
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Kathy and I traveled the world together on medical evacuation flights.... she was an awesome partner!
Charlie
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Veda Johnson
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Posted Mon September 10, 2012
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As part of the Morehouse School of Medicine's 3rd class and family, you will greatly missed. I remember your energy and class and more importantly your ability to deal with adversity with grace and purpose. We have proud of your accomplishments and know that your guiding hand as a healer can not be replaced.
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