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Katherine Pryor Lighthouse was born in Rusk, Texas, to Annie Sutton Pryor and James Thomas Pryor on December 24, 1918. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Terrance (Terry) Summitt Lighthouse, and her parents. Katy, as she was known by all those who loved her, is survived by her daughter, Lynda Lighthouse Transier of Houston, Texas, and her son, James Terrence Lighthouse of San Marcos, Texas. Katy also has two grandsons, Nicholas Ryan Transier with his wife Carly Cowart Transier of San Diego, California; and Christopher Hall Transier with his wife Christine Pearce Transier, of Houston, Texas. Katy was delighted to have been able to enjoy time with four great-grandchildren: Caroline Transier, Pearce Transier, and George Transier from Houston, and Prestyn Transier from San Diego, California. Katy’s brother, J. T. Pryor, as well as two sisters, Mary Cox and Grace Wilson, also preceded her in death. She is survived as well by a number of nieces and nephews.
Katy left Rusk after graduation from High School in 1936 to attend Draughan’s Business College in Dallas. Upon graduation in 1938, she worked for two years in Karnack, Texas for the U. S. Government as secretary to the Army Engineers building a TNT plant. Then she moved on to Corpus Christi, Texas, working as a secretary to the Naval Inspector, inspecting ships carrying oil overseas during the war, at what is now the U.S. Naval Air Station.
In 1942, Katy moved to Houston where she was to become the Executive Assistant to the Chief Engineer at the Shell Oil Refinery in Deer Park, Texas. It is here in 1946 that she met one of Shell’s petroleum engineers - Terrence (Terry) S. Lighthouse. Their courtship ensued while spending fun times with friends down at the bay, playing bridge and pursuing their mutual love of dancing. Katy and Terry’s wedding date was moved up to August 25, 1950, due to Terry’s recall into active service in the United States Army for the start of the Korean War. They moved to Lacrosse, Wisconsin, to be stationed at Camp McCoy. Katy stayed there until her return to Houston in 1952 to set up their new home. Terry joined her in 1953 after his release from active military service.
Daughter Lynda was born to the couple in 1953, and son James in 1961. As a full-time mother, Katy also enjoyed being very active in bowling leagues, bridge clubs, garden clubs and the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant’s Women’s Circle. During these years in Houston, Katy and Terry formed many lifelong friendships through work and church while still enjoying many twirls on the dance floor.
In 1971, Katy and family relocated to San Marcos, Texas, thanks to Richard “Dick” Burdick and Thermon Manufacturing. This would become their permanent home. Never one to be inactive, she began to make new friends while still enjoying keeping up with her old ones. She continued to be active in bridge clubs and the Presbyterian Church while adding such new activities as golf and membership organizations such as the Bluebonnet Lions (as a charter member), the Sunshine Ladies, Meals on Wheels, the Cottage Kitchen, the Heritage Association and the Retired Officers Association. She was the Treasurer of the Presbyterian Women of the Church for over 30 years and was presented an Honorary Life Membership Certificate and silver pen from the Presbyterian Women U.S.A. She and Terry were also charter members of a dancing club that included members from New Braunfels, Seguin, San Antonio as well as San Marcos. On the occasion of Katy’s 90th birthday, a surprise party was held for her in the home of good friend, Betty Jack Rains, where a special poem entitled, “A Tribute to Katy Lighthouse”, authored and read by Judy Renick was presented. Her family took her on her first ever cruise for that 90th birthday in December, 2008, and before their departure they surprised her with her last beloved Welsh Corgi - Gretel.
Katy hit the centenarian mark on December 24, 2018. She celebrated her 100th birthday two days later with her immediate family who had gathered from Houston, Texas, and San Diego, California. Her daughter Lynda Lighthouse Transier of Houston, Texas, son James Lighthouse of San Marcos, Texas, grandson Nicholas Transier of San Diego, California, with his wife Carly and Katy’s great granddaughter Prestyn, as well as grandson Christopher Transier of Houston, Texas, with his wife Christine, and her three great-grandchildren Caroline, Pearce and George.
Katy loved First Presbyterian Church of San Marcos, and her church family, especially the young people and children. Also, she was always grateful for the love and support of close friends in the community and her Oak Ridge Drive neighbors including the Pitzer, Endris and Byrn families. They were like one big happy family, always looking out for and taking care of each other. Her family is grateful for the friendships Katy enjoyed these last years including Kay Burton and family, Sara Meeks Defrain and family, Mary Harris, and Sally and Ed Kuny. Not to be forgotten were the kindnesses shown by Tino and Coral Cortez and their children taking care of the yard and other needs for over 20 years, as well as Mary, Lydia and Juanita Mendoza who cared for Katy’s needs inside her home. Also, a grateful thank you to the loving care she received over the last two months of her life at Cypress Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and from Heart to Heart Hospice.
The celebration of the life of Katy Lighthouse will be on Tuesday, December 10th at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of San Marcos, 410 W. Hutchison St. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Katy’s memory be made to First Presbyterian Church of San Marcos, Texas, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos, Texas, 512-353-4311.
