Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Katherine Anne Thomas was born on May 13, 1947, to Austin and Mattie Thomas in Birmingham, AL. Katherine initially attended Brunetta C. Hill Elementary School in the Smithfield community, later attending both Holy Family Elementary and Our Lady of Fatima Elementary schools. Katherine completed her high school education at Immaculata High School. After graduating from high school, Katherine attended Miles College in Fairfield, AL. Katherine left Miles College and ventured to Detroit, Michigan where she began her professional career in banking.

While attending Immaculata High School, Katherine met her eternal love, George Dunham. Katherine was George's "Kitty" and George was Katherine's "Pookie." On September 7, 1968, George and Katherine were married at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. George and Katherine were married for 52 years before George's passing on December 15, 2021. From George and Katherine's union came three daughters, La-Tanya Denise Dunham, Michelle Renee Dunham (Corporate VP Legal & General Counsel), and Adrienne Marie Dunham (Veterinarian). As a mother, she was quiet, loving, and caring. She did all the girl mom things – dolls, ruffles, patent leather shoes, ponytails. She also raised her girls to love God, be strong in our faith, and seek knowledge.

On September 23, 2025, Katherine joined the most precious club – she became a grandmother, lovingly known to Payton Dunham (Tuskegee University) as "Ga". Katherine was a doting grandmother, Ga and Payton would talk about school, softball, and anything else over a McDonald's meal, Subway sandwich or any meal that Ga and Payton decided to have for the day. Katherine never missed a softball game, birthday, graduation, or any other special event. Payton, Ga loved you more than words will ever convey.

During her early professional career Katherine worked as a banker (in Detroit) and as an operator for South Central Bell Telephone Company. From there Katherine went on to hold several leadership roles in the telecommunications field at AT&T and BellSouth. Katherine loved houses and design, so much so that she became a realtor, mainly so she could look at the houses and the decorations. Katherine started her real estate career at Barnes, Pitts and White Realty Company, and later Barnes and Associates Realty. Katherine loved every moment of the work that she did in telecommunications and real estate, mainly due to the friendships that she made. Katherine made sure to stay connected with her friends until she no longer could. Their love and support over the past years contributed significantly to her happiness as her body weakened.

Katherine was a quiet, loving, and strong wife, mother, and grandmother– in that Katherine kind of way. She was smart and quick-witted, she always had a joke, she wanted to see people smile. She was affectionately called "Tippy" because she took small steps, always being careful to mind her way.

Katherine loved her family, your family, anybody's family. Katherine was "Ma" to a lot of folks, and she cherished that honor. Katherine was the oldest of nine siblings: Linda Thomas, Austin Thomas, Pamela Cowan, Patricia Nathan, Patsy Walker, Phillis Gerald, Paula Thomas, and Peggy Hutchinson Lee. Katherine enjoyed attending annual family reunions with the Dunham family, family outings, and other family get togethers. Katherine was a proud member of the Whiz Pros Card Club where she enjoyed playing cards with family. Katherine loved music and dancing. Katherine and George were known to "cut a rug" anytime music was playing, and space was available. In her last days here with us, we sought comfort singing, dancing, and spending time with our mother. That times and those memories are ours to cherish forever.

On June 15, 2025, Katherine exited this world as peacefully as she lived within it.

Katherine was preceded in death by her father Austin Thomas, mother Mattie Lee Thomas, mother-in-love Ruthie Johnson, and husband George Dunham. Katherine leaves to cherish her memory, her sisters Linda Thomas, Pamela Cowan, Patricia Nathan, Patsy Walker, Phillis Gerald, Paula Thomas, Peggy Hutchinson Lee, and her brother Austin Thomas. Her children La-Tanya (Herbert Young), Michelle, and Adrienne; her beautiful granddaughter, Payton; her niece Chandra Stonewall and family; nephew Reverend Clinton Stonewall and Sonya Stonewall and family; nieces Angel Thomas, Krystal Thomas, Candace Thomas, LaTisha Johnson, Shani Johnson and Ericka Johnson; her bonus family the Franklins – Ralph, Eloise, Kenya, Jelani (NaKisha) and Aisha; and a host of nieces and nephews (including greats), cousins, "adopted" children and friends.

Katherine, Kitty, Ma, Tippy, Ga – she was a beautiful, sweet, loving soul. She was a child, wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her caring nature touched the lives of many. She was so beautiful, and she will be missed by many. There is peace in knowing that Katherine is reunited with her love, George.

We all love you Ma, and we will see you later.