Katherine Abernethy Rodgers Boulier

Katherine (Kay) Abernethy Rodgers Boulier passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the age of 84 following several months of illness.

Kay was the first child of Bill and Marylou Abernethy, born in Baltimore, MD, and raised in the nearby town of Aberdeen. Following her graduation from Aberdeen High School, Kay attended Western Maryland College and then Western Carolina University where she met her first husband, Homer Rodgers. While raising their three daughters in Cartersville, GA, Kay began working as a teacher at the Cartersville First Presbyterian Church’s Kindergarten, a job she loved. She was a natural teacher and helped shape many young lives. Once her own girls were grown Kay studied at Kennesaw State University and earned her teaching credentials and began a career at Cartersville Primary School, teaching both kindergarten and first grade classes over the years. While teaching there she met fellow Cartersville City Schools teacher/coach Ralph Gary Boulier Sr. and they were married in 1995. Kay was thrilled to gain two sons when she married Gary.

Kay’s passion for helping children grow and learn led to her involvement in the First Presbyterian Church’s long-time after school program, Hands of Christ, which offered Hispanic children from the community an opportunity to improve English speaking skills and enjoy play time. As her church home, First Presbyterian was deeply important to Kay and she served in various leadership positions and on numerous committees.

Never one to stay idle, Kay was part of the Cartersville Woman’s Club and through it she worked with its members to conduct scoliosis screenings in schools, collect school supplies for students, and sponsor a Little Free Library in her own yard.

Kay adored her grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nephew.

She lived a life of generosity, made sure her daughters became independent women, and left a tremendous legacy in all the young lives she touched.

Kay is survived by her devoted husband Gary Boulier, Sr, daughters Michele Rodgers (Karl Wagner), Karen Rodgers, Nancy Akers (Joe), Gary Boulier Jr (Nicole), Erik Boulier (Carolann), grandchildren Rob McDonnell (Hannah), Katherine Wagner, Peyton Boulier, Victoria Boulier, Trey Boulier, Gavin Akers, and Lucas Akers, and great-granddaughter Cora McDonnell. Also surviving is Kay’s adored younger sister Eve Jacobs (Chuck) and nephews Andrew Jacobs (Vicky) and David Jacobs (Megan), and great-nephew Theo Jacobs. Kay was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Stephen Wagner.

A Celebration of Life honoring Kay will take place on June 27th at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Cartersville. In lieu of flowers, donations to First Presbyterian Church are welcomed.