Katherine Williams

Katherine Williams made her grand entrance into the world May 23, 1947 in Sylacauga, AL.  She was an extraordinary woman who left a great mark on many and left a wonderful legacy.   She exuded confidence and sophistication.  She had a strong resolve, as well as a strong Christian faith and would still get on her knees for nightly prayer. 

Katherine received her undergraduate and Master’s Degree from Alabama State University.  She was a lifelong learner.  She received her plus 30 and continued to advance her career in the field of Physical Education and Dance. While attending Alabama State University, she was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the Beta Eta Chapter in Montgomery, AL.  She treasured those colors.  In fact, one of her first vehicles was a white Monte Carlo with red interior. 

Katherine loved her family.  She was a proud mother and grandmother.  Her daughter, Tracy and granddaughter Kori were the absolute apple of her eye. 

Katherine had a 37 year career as a teacher in the St. Louis Public School system.  She taught physical education, health and dance.  She taught at Enright-Middle Soldan 9th Grade Center, Arlington Elementary, Southwest High School, and ended her career retiring from Roosevelt High School.  While at Enright Middle-Soldan 9th Grade Center, she was the gymnastics coach.

While at Roosevelt High School, Katherine choreographed many of the dance performances in the school musicals.  One her students stated, “She was our very own Debbie Allen.” She became the Physical Education Chair at Roosevelt High and received the illustrious award of Teacher of the Year from the Board of Education. Although Katherine had one daughter, she was a favorite teacher to several and assumed the role of mother to many.  In particular, Betty Coleman and Glynes Stokes were her God daughters and she truly loved them both.

Katherine was the 7th of seven children.  She would often recite, “I am the 7th child of a woman born the 7th day, the 7 month in 1917 who wore a size 7 shoe.” Katherine was born to Lesane Williams, Sr and Matilda Williams who proceeded her in death.  Katherine’s brothers were Lesane Williams, Jr., Walter Williams, and Jerry Williams who also proceeded her in death.  Her sisters are Claudia Brooks, Mary Durden, and Barbara Edwards.  Katherine gained a son in law in Dwight Robinson and a beloved granddaughter in Kori Simone Robinson. Katherine was married to James “Pick” Williams for over 30 years.  Although they were no longer married, James was Katherine’s caregiver during her entire 9 ½ year illness. He remained her loyal and faithful friend through her life.  He was her advocate and showed immense compassion in the way he took care of her.

Katherine enjoyed good food and was an excellent cook.  For a small lady, she sure could eat.  She loved the arts and all sports.  In her retirement, she could be seen attending local high school football games.  When enjoying televised sports, she would often be cheering and yelling at the television as though she were at the game.

Katherine’s memory will also be cherished by several nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. She loved them and they loved her.

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