Ms. Kathy Gayle Register

DECATUR, GA – Today, Congressman Johnson sadly announced the sudden, unexpected, but peaceful passing away of Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson’s lifelong best friend and his own close friend and District Director Kathy (Gayle) Holt Register. Kathy Register, 70, served as District Director from the day Congressman Johnson was first sworn in to Congress on January 3, 2007. Kathy oversaw an award-winning constituent services operation that has been largely responsible for Rep. Johnson’s reelection to Congress. “When I first took office in 2007, I promised Georgians that I would take care of home first,” said Congressman Johnson. “Kathy Register made sure that promise was kept. Under Kathy’s leadership, my district staff has helped tens of thousands of constituents solve seemingly intractable problems. She ran the office with professionalism and a service eye. That is what she did every day for more than almost 19 years. She will be missed as our leader but also as a dear and close friend.” Kathy “Gayle” Holt Register was born April 28, 1955, in Nashville, Tennessee to the late Clarence Nathaniel Holt and Jennie Petway Holt. She was educated in the Davidson County Public School System. She attended Providence School, where she garnered many lifelong friends. After graduating from Tennessee State University, she worked in New York for a short time before relocating to Marietta, GA, and then to Decatur, GA, where she made her home. Kathy was united in Holy Matrimony with the late Willie James Register Jr. in 1981. She was a devoted and loving mother to two wonderful sons, Anthony Joel Register and Tito Jermaine Register. She loved her family dearly. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Kathy’s devotion and dedication to her mother’s well-being were a noble demonstration of the type of love that Kathy extended to everyone she met Kathy sought to find the good and unfolding potential with whom she worked. After a successful career at Clorox, Kathy embarked on her second career, which she treated more like a calling instead of a job. She served as District Director in the office of Congressman Henry “Hank” Johnson from his inauguration in 2007 until her passing. Kathy had a passionate and persistent attitude for service to others. Under her leadership, the district office helped tens of thousands of constituents solve problems that were seemingly impossible to cope with. Kathy was always in motion. She was a passionate and committed “sports mom.” She loved to travel, often making trips out of state to her son’s games and sporting events. When she was not in her office, she was home gardening. She believed in having things in an orderly fashion. This was evident in how she meticulously and pointedly placed each plant and shrub. Creating a welcoming and loving home gave her joy. She treasured her many friends and the time spent together with them. Kathy’s caring attitude attracted people to her. To some, she became a shining example of professionalism, excellence, and kindness. Her inner beauty was most captivating. She was a fashionable dresser, always taking pride in her unique style. She was beautiful inside and out. Her steadfast faith in God sustained her. She was baptized at an early age and became a member of Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church in her hometown of Providence, TN, a freed slave community. After settling in Decatur, GA, she became a committed member of Salem Bible Church, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Jasper W. Williams, Jr. In 2021, she was the recipient of the Salem Bible Church Trailblazer Award for her community service and dedication to her church family. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Nathaniel Holt, and brother, Clarence Maurice Holt. She leaves to cherish her memories: two loving sons, Anthony Joel Register (Malikah) of Atlanta, GA, Tito Jermaine Register (Terri) of Denver, CO; mother, Jennie Petway Holt; brother, Charles LeTrelle Holt; two grandchildren, Tyrin and Tiyana Register; special first cousins, Sandra Drew (Ricky), Susan West (John), Patricia Berry (Linwood) all of Nashville, TN, Carolyn Smith of Los Angeles; long time best friend and confident, Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson; Congressman Henry “Hank” Johnson and his entire staff; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear relatives and close friends. The family of Kathy “Gayle” Holt Register would like to thank each and every one for their acts of kindness, condolences, and support during this time of bereavement.

Tributes

Ms. Kathy Gayle Register

April 28, 1955 - October 28, 2025