March 12, 1965 and adopted by her stepfather Lucious Williams. She was
the fourth daughter with a brother born after her. Kathryn and her siblings
were a tight knit family; they always took care of and looked after each
other at any given time without questions asked.
Kathryn lived her life to the fullest, always adventurous, enjoyed people and
loved helping them in any way where it was needed. At one time Kathryn
purchased a big three-story house with a finished basement in East
Cleveland that she, her siblings and their children shared for several years.
Kathryn attended Dyke Elementary School where she became known
as Professor Kathy because of her intelligence. She was given an offer to
attend Empire Junior High School for special students who excelled in
their studies quickly. However, being such a young girl, her mother did not
want to see her travel alone to the other side of town.
At East Tech High School besides excelling academically, Kathryn played
basketball and in one game against East High School she scored 38 points.
She and her sisters were known for their basketball skills and would take on
any guys who challenged them. Kathryn could swim like a “fish” and won
first place two times and second place one time in different swim meets.
An article appeared in the now default Cleveland Press Newspaper about
her academic and athletic achievements caught the attention of Judge Sara
J. Harper (retired, now 94 years old) who opened up her house to Kathryn
several summers for 2 – 3 weeks at a time. She also enjoyed playing golf.
In 2001 Kathryn received her GED from Cuyahoga Community College
and her Associates of Arts Degree in 2004.
Kathryn was never without a job and often worked two at the same
time. Her latest place of employment was as a school bus driver for the
Cleveland Municipal School board and worked until her health took a
toll on her. During and after chemo and radiation she tutored children in
math. Previous jobs included University Hospitals, the Renaissance Hotel
and Stouffers.
Because of Kathryn’s love and kindness she had for others, during her
last few months with us she did not have to ask for help, the following
individuals quickly volunteered to be her caregivers: Trisha Bradley; Zelda
(Lady B) James; Michelle Parham; Latish Rivers; Jasmire Thomas White
and her best friend Elizabeth (Liz/Pumpkin). All her siblings along
with nieces Jamela Thornton and JaNaye Thornton, a great niece Joliah
Thornton and a beloved aunt Gail Thornton dedicated their time to
commit to taking care of her.
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