Katherine Mizukami

Mama Katherine was born on September 15, 1933 to Talava and Sparky Brown on the island of Samoa. She was raised on the Island until she was 18. She then moved to Hawaii where she would begin a family with her husband Solomon Hanakeawe. Upon their divorce she would later marry Gary Mizukami and together would move to Southern California to raise their family. The island girl from Samoa would call California home for the next 48 years.

If you knew Mama or happened to run into her at the grocery line you would know that at her very core was her faith. Without hesitation she would share her faith with you. She attended several churches throughout her life and founded JOY Fellowship. Originally a women’s ministry, Mama preached the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus to the many women who would attend her services. As a church, Mama, along with Dad, would Pastor the congregation for more than twenty years.

Being the mother of three girls and two boys gave Mama plenty of opportunity to perfect her recipes and skills as a seamstress. Dad would often joke that Mama couldn’t boil water when they first got married. Well, not only did she learn how to boil water, but her ribs, chili, and cheesecake were just some of the things people would beg her to cook for them.

Our family will miss her infectious personality, her inner strength, and her love. Thank you to those of you who have embraced us with your prayers, thoughts, and love during this most difficult time. Mama loves that you’ve come to celebrate a life lived for Jesus, her life.