A powerful little faith-filled lady who did not take ‘no’ for an answer. A phenomenal daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, activist, mentor, leader, and friend. Katherine was a social butterfly who shined when she walked into any room. She loved her family, she loved her city, and she loved to laugh. Katherine dedicated her life as a community volunteer for over 50 years. Her journey began as a teen, being mentored and inspired by local leaders of color. She was the very essence of "never forgetting where you come from." Raised in the Lincoln neighborhood, she was committed to its growth, stabilization, and adornment. While working full-time as a single parent, she pursued her educational journey by attending Carthage College part-time, receiving a Bachelors of Art Degree in Business. All the while maintaining her dedication to her family and the Kenosha Community. She served on various boards and committees throughout the city, including but not limited to: The Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation (one of the founding board members), the City of Kenosha Finance Committee, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Kenosha Community Health Center and United Way of Kenosha County. Katherine's dedicated service led to countless accomplishments, accolades, and awards including the Mary Lou Mahone Living Legend Award, Susan B. Anthony Award, and Carthage College Martin Luther King Legacy Award. She was a trailblazer, as the city of Kenosha's first Alderwoman of color, serving 20 years in office. She was the first woman of color to hold the seat of Council President and the first to work within the mayor's office. She opened doors and encouraged other minorities to get involved and join local governments. She played an instrumental role in the development of various community projects including Brass Community School, the City of Kenosha Civil War Museum, Kenosha Uptown Redevelopment, Lincoln and Frank Neighborhood Revitalizations, Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, and the City of Kenosha Clergy Advisory Board. Most recently, she passionately dedicated her time, energy, and efforts to launching the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy (KELA). Focusing on real-world education, practical life skills, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) for youth and young adults. Katherine's favorite pastime was gardening, a love that is a direct reflection of her parents, Bennie and Ruth. This passion cultivated the ‘Thelma Orr - It’s A Small World Community Garden.’ For over 25 years, the garden has been nurtured and maintained by Katherine, her parents, and other neighborhood residents. It has become a neighborhood staple gaining her recognition. As the Community Outreach Liaison with the City of Kenosha Mayor’s Office, she was happily tasked with maintaining and overseeing community gardens throughout the city. She leaves to cherish her memory, parents Bennie and Ruth Marks, daughter Rasheeda Walker and beloved granddaughter RyannSimone Walker, sisters Ollie Marks (Kenosha, WI) and Pattee Marks-Graves (Racine, WI), sister-in-law Bettye Ingram (Zion, IL), nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Katherine will truly be missed. Memories of her heartfelt, strong will, and fun-loving personality will forever be engraved in our hearts.