Katherine McLean Lamberth

June 4, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Whatever Katherine Lamberth did, she did it all out.

Daughter, wife, mother, friend, she poured herself into every role.

While she was many things, “Mommy” was the title she was most proud of and excited for. She and her husband, Pell George, who were coming up on their 10th anniversary, adored their 2½-year-old girls, Ellyn and Mackie, and not just the fun parts like keeping them in cute matching outfits. After years of fertility challenges and a life-threatening delivery, she would often declare to Pell, “I crushed it. I made the best babies in the world.”

Katherine McLean Lamberth, astute, driven and with a brilliant and slightly mischievous smile, died on June 4, 2026, as the result of an accident while out for her morning jog. She wanted it all. She got it, except for the years to fit it all in. She was 38.

Katherine was born in Charlotte on July 24, 1987, the daughter of Ron and Joye Lamberth. Her adolescence was filled with memories of her mom’s deviled eggs, family dogs, summers at Gwynn Valley Camp and Outward Bound, and South Carolina tailgates. An only child, she took up running with her father, completing her first marathon in Philadelphia when she was 16.

A product of Charlotte public schools, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she found more than a job in the nation’s capital.

Katherine and Pell met at a gathering in March 2012 to watch the Duke-Carolina basketball game. Afterward, the two shared a drink and hush puppies at a Georgetown bar. They were married on August 27, 2016. Pell can’t remember who won that game.

Katherine graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law and worked at law firms in D.C. before they relocated to Charlotte, where Katherine eventually moved in-house at Bank of America. She loved practicing law, though her attempts to teach Pell the nuances of bank regulations over dinner largely failed.

Work and life weren’t always balanced, but they were well blended. Katherine could negotiate a deal closing by day and still bring the energy for a living room dance party with her girls at night. Juggling family, career, and friends, she somehow found a way to keep it all together.

It’s the little things that add up to a beautiful life.

A morning jog, an impromptu takeout sushi dinner, a glass of white Burgundy with a friend, an evening walk with the stroller, or a bedtime story with the girls.

Katherine had a discerning sense of style and was enthusiastically bad at online shopping. She’d often open a box, look at the article of clothing – wrong size, wrong color – and say, “huh”. Breakfast was Starbucks French roast, peanut butter toast and a quiet corner to sit. Lunch on the run was the #10 with turkey at Laurel Market.

It's the big things that last.

As Ellyn and Mackie grow up, Pell hopes they will learn how special their mom was, and how incredibly proudly, fiercely, and unapologetically she loved them. Katherine often conveyed a seriousness to those that first met her, but also showed a goofier side and honest laugh to those she loved. She took joy in putting in the effort to make sure things were done well, no matter how hard.

Her friends and family will still find Katherine around town, whether it’s in a Starbucks coffee, a new pair of Birkenstocks, the pride in making it out the door for a morning run, in Ellyn’s smile and dancing with reckless abandon, or Mackie’s love of critters and ability to sleep through anything.

We love you heaps, Katherine.

 

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She is survived by her husband, Pell Tanner George, of Charlotte and their twin daughters, Ellyn Tazewell George and Cary McLean “Mackie” George; her parents, Ronald W. and Joye L. Lamberth of Charlotte; her in-laws, A.C. and Kathryn George of Baltimore; her aunt and uncle, Judy and Peter Cole of Davidson; and extended family.

A service to celebrate her life will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte. Visitation follows at the church.

A gift in Katherine’s memory can be made to the Katherine Lamberth Memorial Fund at Foundation For The Carolinas, 220 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Write “Katherine Lamberth” on the memo line; or to Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • JD

    I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming.
    I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost.
    May the lord hold and keep you.

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  • Dennis Deaton

    Ronnie and Joey, I am completely heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of your beautiful daughter Katherine. I know she was the absolute apple of your eye and your entire world. Even though years have passed since we last saw each other, please know that I am holding you both incredibly close in my thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time. I am so deeply sorry.

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  • Angelike Ormeno

    Sending my deepest condolences to Pell George, and his daughters Ellyn and Mackie. May God grant Katherine McLean Lamberth eternal rest and let the perpetual light shine upon her. Sending prayers of comfort during this difficult time. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" - Psalm 46:1.

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  • Grant Deaton

    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Katherine. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her, but I have many childhood memories of spending holidays playing with her. Ron and Joye, I am praying for you and your family during this incredibly tough time.

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  • Jamie Reid

    Katherine shared so much wisdom with us at BofA — both professionally and personally — and we will always remember her and miss her dearly. What a beautiful eulogy to hear on Saturday at Christ Church! I am thinking of Katherine and her legacy, and of her family in this difficult time as they grieve this terrible tragedy.

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  • Terry Greenwood

    Your remembrance … so well shared. ThiS … so sad.

    I learned of this through a Christ Church email. I have been a member for many years but have been away from Charlotte for several years until recently.

    Katherine … as written … what a person of heart and accomplishment.

    Terry Greenwood

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  • Betsy Patton

    I was stricken to read of Katherine's death. It's been many many years since she and Emily were friends. I remember one of Emily's bday events Katherine went to the Drawbridge restaurant with us. Such a beautiful girl. Heartbroken for you all. Btw.. Emily also ended up with identical twins. Boys . So wish they had kept in touch from childhood and beyond. Much love

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  • Kristen Brown Burkett

    I had the privilege of becoming close friends and sorority sisters with Katherine—or "Kat," as everyone knew her—during our years at Bucknell. Looking back, I realize how much I not only loved Kat but admired her. She possessed a rare sense of confidence and authenticity, knowing exactly who she was and what she wanted out of life at a time when most of us were still finding our way.

    I admired everything about her—her beauty, intelligence, work ethic, and gracious heart—but most of all, I admired the way she moved through the world with such purpose, kindness, and self-assurance. Life took us to different parts of the country, but no matter the time or distance, Kat was the type of friend who never felt far. Even years later, during a difficult health diagnosis, Kat reached out with the same warmth and thoughtfulness I had always known her to have. It was a simple gesture that meant more than she could have known and was such a reflection of who she was.

    Reading her obituary brought back so many memories and little details that were so unmistakably Kat. It captured perfectly just how special she was and how deeply she touched the lives of those around her. I feel so fortunate to have known Kat, and I will always be grateful for the time we had together.

    I am praying for her husband, precious girls, and parents as they navigate this unimaginable loss.

    I look forward to traveling to Charlotte next weekend to celebrate Kat's beautiful life and honor the remarkable woman she was.

    I will never forget you, Kat. Until we meet again, sweet friend.

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  • Sonali T

    Katherine was also an all-out lawyer, and respected by all who worked with her. We partnered regularly on deals she closed for us at BofA, and she was among the best in the business—commercial, thorough, principled, and practical. She was a proven industry leader in getting complex, multi-party transactions across the finish line. During her last visit to NYC, we had a long catch up about her career ambitions and how much she adored raising her beautifully different twin daughters. It was clear her driving force was her love for her family. I will miss her sage counsel and warmth. Sending deepest condolences to her loved ones.

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  • Deborah Stutts Neill

    Joye and Ron, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. I will be keeping you in my prayers ? Love, Hugs and Prayers ???

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