Katie Mae Baird

Katie Mae Burgess was born on November 2, 1932, in Prairie Township, Hot Spring County, Arkansas. She was born to John Harvey Burgess and Nellie Arilla Lee Burgess. Her parents passed away when Katie was young and she, along with her siblings, was then raised by her Aunt Nora Norrid Lee. Katie married Edward Allen Baird on September 2, 1952, in Arkansas, and the two remained married until Ed’s passing in 1987.

Katie was a kind, sweet, and quiet lady who cared deeply for her family. She was known for her unwavering work ethic. She worked at Petty’s Steakhouse and the Dinner Bell Cafeteria in Houston, Texas for many years. She went on to work in other areas and didn’t officially “retire” until she was about 75 years of age. She was never one to remain idle. She made many dear friends in her work at the resale shop and treasured those friendships for the remainder of her years. Katie also loved watching her Houston Astros play and was a loyal and devoted fan. She demonstrated unconditional love, quiet strength, and strong faith to her family and friends all the days of her life.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nellie Burgess, her brother, Harvey Burgess, her sister Mildred Burgess Johnson, her son, Edward Allen Baird, Jr. and her beloved husband of 35 years, Edward Baird.

She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her two daughters, Mae Allen Baird Sheffield and husband Randall of Magnolia, Texas and Linda DeFee and husband Darrell of Sugar Land, Texas. Her three grandchildren, Kendra Lee Sheffield Phelps and husband Robert of The Woodlands, Derek Ross DeFee and wife Courtney of Houston, Texas, and Nicole Elise DeFee of Houston.

Katie also leaves behind 4 great grandchildren, whom she adored, Grace Kylee Phelps and fiancé Nate Niehoff of The Woodlands, Texas, Robert Cozby Phelps of The Woodlands, and Derek Ross DeFee, Jr. and Dylan Rager DeFee of Houston, Texas. Katie also leaves behind her nephew David Burgess of Arkansas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A viewing will be held at Forest Park Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, Texas 77023 from 12:00 - 1:00pm on Friday, December 26th, 2025. This will be followed by a graveside service at 2:00pm at Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Fwy (I45), Houston, TX 77060.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Randall Sheffield, Darrell DeFee, Robert Phelps, Derek DeFee, Nate Niehoff, and R.C. Phelps.

Although we are brokenhearted at the loss of our beloved “Katen,” as she was lovingly known to her family, we rejoice in knowing that she is in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and reunited with loved ones gone before. What a beautiful reunion that must have been! We rest in the assurance that we will see her again one day.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints.” Psalm 116:15