Veterans groups mourn losses

Published 4:19 pm Wednesday, June 3, 2009

By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Members of veterans groups in Fultondale are mourning the loss of two women who faithfully served during every patriotic holiday for the past several years.

Pearl McPherson always sang the National Anthem and Kathy Hallmark faithfully sang “God Bless America” during every Veterans Day and Memorial Day service in Fultondale.

Both events are put on every year by VFW Post No. 10250 and the Hawkins B. Carter American Legion Post No. 255, both based in Fultondale.

In addition, both women were members of the American Legion Auxiliary for six years.

According to VFW commander Robert Mattox, McPherson died May 25 of a medical condition several hours after performing at the Memorial Day ceremony. Mattox said Hallmark died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 26.

An official with the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s office would not confirm the manner of Hallmark’s death.

Hallmark, 57, did not sing her usual song during this year’s Memorial Day event. Mattox said she called in sick prior to the ceremony.

She had a long and successful singing career. Her name was Kathryn Daffron, but she was best known by her stage name of Kathy Hallmark.

She began singing in 1968 at age 17 in various Birmingham clubs.

Hallmark was featured on episodes of “The Merv Griffin Show,” the “Porter Wagoner Show” and had performed at Opryland.

Since 2006, Hallmark was lead singer in the band Sugar Creek, which performs at the American Legion every Friday and Saturday night.

She is survived by her husband of 24 years, James Daffron.

McPherson was known for her service to veterans at the Ketona Nursing Home and for her work for the American Legion Christmas program, according to American Legion Commander Don Vaughn and finance officer Ron Haygood.

“We’re going to miss her tremendously,” said Haygood.