Mrs. Katherine "Kate" Walton McFadden

Katherine Walton McFadden passed away Monday, October 27th, 2014. She was born July 9th, 1973 in Atlanta, GA to Louisa Walton McFadden and Isaac Joseph McFadden II. She graduated from Lakeside High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of California Santa Cruz. Kate earned her Masters of Science from Texas A&M University and her Doctorate of Ecology and Environmental Biology from Columbia University where she was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship. She was currently an Assistant Professor in Environmental Sciences at Clemson University and Assistant Unit Leader with the USGS SC Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit. Kate’s distinguished career spanned six continents where she conducted ecological field research contributing to the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems. Kate’s passion and commitment to teaching went well beyond the classrooms she led. Whether it was her dedication to mentoring field researchers in Rwanda or tutoring students at Columbia University and Clemson University, Kate served as a role model to the next generation of environmental scientists. Kate was a loving wife, an adoring aunt, a caring friend, and contributed selflessly to neighbors, friends, and even a few strays. It was her lovingly generous personality that infected so many, so far. Kate made a tremendous impact on the lives of those she touched, but her contribution to science, terrific teaching and undeniable compassion will be felt by those who never met her. Kate is survived by her husband Okan Demirmen, mother, Louisa Walton McFadden, of Atlanta, GA, father, Dr. Isaac Joseph McFadden II of Memphis, TN, step-mother The Rev. Senter H. Crook of Memphis, TN, sister, Elizabeth Tilghman McFadden of Memphis, TN, brother, Isaac Joseph McFadden III of Atlanta, GA, father-in-law Dr. Ferruh Demirmen and mother-in-law Tulin Demirmen of Houston, TX, sister-in-law, Sibel Demirmen, brother-in-law Scott Henry of San Rafael, CA, brother-in-law, Steven Allen Holdsworth of Memphis, TN and two nieces and two nephews. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 31, 2014 at Davenport Funeral Home, with visitation to follow. Donations may be made to World Wildlife Fund at www.worldwildlife.org.

Mrs. Katherine "Kate" Walton McFadden

July 9, 2014 - October 27, 2014