Katrina S. Sharpe Henritze

Katy, a native of Moultrie, Georgia was born on April 10, 1920 to Martha Louise and Eugene Boies Sharpe, maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. H.D. Kemp and paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. M.K. Sharpe. Katy attended Moultrie High School and was one of the youngest to graduate at age 15, from Colquitt County. Katy continued her education at the Georgia College for Women in Milledgeville, GA. Upon completion, she worked as a private secretary for the commanding officer of the Medical Corps at Spence Army/Air Force based in Moultrie, Georgia.

In January 1948, Katy moved to Atlanta, Georgia and began a secretarial career with Dr. Mason Baird, whom she married three years later. This union lasted 17 years, only ending in his sudden death. Katy would later meet and marry, the late David Durham Henritze in 1968, and together they shared his four children.

Katy was quite a lady with a wonderful sense of humor, a great sense of style and a remarkable memory, being able to recall details of events, friendships and trips from years past.

Katy was a member of three History and Literature study groups, which she enjoyed attending. Katy was an avid theatre buff and beginning in the early 1950s visited New York to attend countless plays and other cultural events. Throughout the years, she enjoyed her volunteer work with the Academy Theatre in Atlanta, Academy of Medicine in Atlanta, Tallulah Falls Country Club, and several others in the Atlanta area. Another of her passions was photography which she practiced during her frequent travels throughout the world. Katy was a regular exhibiter at Cherokee Town Club and other venues.

Katy was a devoted and loving wife, step-mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, god-mother, aunt, and a dear friend to many. She leaves to cherish her memory four children, David D. Henritze, Jr. (Betsy) of New York, Fred Henritze (Terry) of Atlanta, Robert M. Henritze of Atlanta, Ann Henritze Blonder of Atlanta, adopted daughter Annabelle Barkman of Pennsylvania, 15 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, devoted caregivers, Anthony J. Byrd, Malinda Byrd, Rick Wilcox, Barbara Wright, and a host of extended family members and many close friends.

The family will be receiving friends and family at 10:00 AM on Monday, April 14, 2014 at H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill in Atlanta. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM at H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill officiated by Rev. Banks Brazell. Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery.

Katy was an avid animal lover, especially cats, dogs and birds. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in her honor to the Atlanta Humane Society.