On November 9, 1946, in Bushy Fork, NC, I was born. My parents, Frank and Margaret Woods were blessed and the world as it was, would never be the same. I was the baby girl of my family and everyone knew it, especially by big sisters, Donna and Doris. I was the "little big sister" in charge.

We were in the country. I actually pronounced it Bushy "Folk" North Carolina. But, when I was almost 11 years old, in 1957, Momma and Daddy packed us up and we headed north to Baltimore, MD.

Following our move to Baltimore, my family joined Little Ark Missionary Baptist Church. Even though I had a loud mouth at home, I was quiet and reserved in church. Many people didn't even know I was there. I sat in the same place every Sunday, filled my spirit and went on home. Momma and my sisters would be left still talking. That's what they loved to do. I would leave them right there.

I always took care of people and decided to get a job doing just that. I became a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). I worked for the Multi Medical Center, later known as Genesis, for nearly 40 years, I would have stayed longer, but these legs were not trying to hear it...and neither was Doris. She wasn't driving to Towson every single day. Y'all know I never drove but I will tell you where you "got ta" go or "got ta" take me.

Something you may not know about me, I used to like traveling with my sister, friends and my niece. We used to go on cruises and enjoy ourselves. When I got dressed, I got DRESSED. We would go to the ship dinners with our good clothes on. Of course, I made sure I looked good. I looked good because I loved to shop. Not just for me though, I would buy the kids the best outfits, especially for church. I had a habit of spoiling the children. That started with Donna's kids and went on down through the generations.

I also loved to cook, I am best known for my fried chicken and my potato salad. Everybody knew that if they came to Momma's house on Sunday, a piece of chicken is guaranteed along with the spread that Momma and I would have on the table. We never knew how to cook a small meal.

I had the best memory, every birth date and special occasion were etched in my mind. You also know that my mouth is going to tell it like it is, without a filter. That's just me. Katie is gonna be Katie. I say and do what I want, but my heart is always open to do for people, take care of people, and love people, as they love me-for just being Katie.

To my sisters, I just simply say thank you. Thank you for taking care of me and for your love. The time we shared together is priceless. I could not have asked for better sisters and my best friends. It's time to take care of yourselves now. Enjoy the many years you have in front of you. To Jeff (Screwball), thank you for making a new home for me in my "She-Shed."

My heart was with those who left before me, my parents, my companion, Henry (June), and my great-nephew Darrin, Jr. But, I will continue to walk with those I now leave, my sisters, Donna Warking and Doris Johnson; my brothers, Calvin and James Woods; 6 nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews; my Goddaughter, Sharita. I have some very special friends. Chrissy, thank you for being beside me every step of the way, until the very end.