Taken from Katherine's obituary:

Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Katherine D. Jones was born in Leonardtown, Maryland on August 17, 1965 and entered into glory on May 17, 2007 in San Antonio, Texas.  A 1987 graduate of Hampton University, Katherine began her career in social work before realizing one of her dreams to become an author of contemporary romance.  Katherine’s books have been published to critical and reader acclaim.  At the time of her passing, Katherine was working on several writing projects.  She also served as moderator, award presenter, judge, coordinator and panelist at a number of writers’ conferences.

Katherine devoted her life to helping others and gave of herself tirelessly.  She did not believe in closed doors, only open windows.  She strove to empower others, especially women to follow their dreams through her writing and activism.  Her greatest joy, however, were her sons.  They were the Light of Her Life.

Katherine’s memory will be cherished by her loving husband of more than twenty years, LTC Ivan Speights, Sr. and their two sons, Ivan Jr. and Isaiah; mother, Mattie Jones; father and stepmother, Charles Jones, Jr. and Maria Kobasew Jones; sisters, Carla Jones and her son, Paul Hairston, Jr.; Candice Beyai, her husband Ebrima Beyai and their son, Malick; and Kari Jones; along with numerous friends, colleagues, fans and admirers.

The viewing was held Wednesday, May 23 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Family Life Christian Church, 12525 Nacogdoches Road, Suite 110.  Homegoing Services were held on Thursday, May 24 at 11:30 am, at the Main Post Chapel, Fort Sam Houston, followed by internment at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas. 

A message from Kendra Norman-Bellamy, founder of The Writer's Hut:

Katherine was a founding member of The Writer's Hut, one of the first to join when the group was launched.  Her presence from our online group as well as from the on-site literary functions where I would fellowship with her, will be sorely missed.

I speak for all members of The Writer's Hut when I say, "We love you, Katherine!"  Your infectious smile and your gentle spirit will always be remembered.  And you will forever remain listed as one of our family members!