Katy Ebersole

Kathryn “Katy” Barnes Ebersole, age 47, died peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2016, in her Edenton, NC home. Her husband, Rick, and two of her closest friends were by her side. Katy was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (brain cancer) in 2014, and she fought the illness with the same tenacity, bravery, and hopefulness with which she faced every challenge. Katy’s smile always lit up a room, and the sounds of her one-of-a-kind laugh will echo in our memories forever.

Katy was born on March 18, 1969 to parents Claudy and Tom Barnes of Virginia Beach. She remained a “beach girl” at heart who always found peace in hot sand and cool salt water. While working at the Surf Rider restaurant in Virginia Beach, Katy met the love of her life, Rick Ebersole. The two celebrated 24 years of marriage on October 11th. In addition to her devoted husband, loving parents, 4 cats, and her golden retriever, Annie Lou, Katy leaves: sister Beth Barnes (husband Bobby Davis) of Virginia Beach; brother Guy Barnes (wife Gretchen) and niece Mackenzie of Virginia Beach; sister Hazel Alden Barnes of Hawaii; parents in-law, Julian and Cricket Ebersole of Winchester, VA; several godchildren; many other family members; and countless friends. As Katy said, “Friendship is just another word for family.” Katy’s family is incredibly grateful for the constant and generous support from her friends, both before and after her cancer battle began.

In 1996, Katy and Rick moved to Edenton and along with good friend Brian Roberts, opened Waterman’s Grill, now in its 20th year. Edenton was “heaven on earth” for Katy. She fell in love with the town and its people, and she was deeply loved in return. In addition to being a successful restauranteur, Katy opened a local gym, Classic Fitness, and was heralded as Edenton’s Businessperson of the Year. Katy was also a prolific and very talented artist. She won the 1987 Boardwalk Art Show poster award, received an art degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and continued to paint and create for years to come. The renovation of her mill village home in Edenton was her most fulfilling creative project. In recent years, Katy regularly taught yoga and became an avid paddle boarder.

Katy brought her incomparable energy and creativity to her voluntary service in the Edenton Steamers collegiate baseball organization for over 10 years. The team gives an annual “Heart and Soul Award” in her name. As Steamers baseball was so close to her heart, her memorial service will be held at Historic Hicks Field, 111 E Freemason St., Edenton, NC, on Friday, November 11th at 1:00 p.m. Please come out to celebrate Katy’s life. Wear Katy’s favorite color, Steamer teal, and dress ballpark casual. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Katy’s name to Chowan’s Tri-County Animal Shelter, 138 Icaria Road, Tyner NC 27980.

Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.