Submitted by: Dan Rich

Katherine Lawshea
March 16, 1912 - Oct. 4, 1999

South Bend Tribune 10/8/1999

Katherine Douglas Bond Lawshea, 87, lovingly called ''Mother Katherine'' by all who were close to her heart, of 1513 S. Scott Street, passed away from this life on Monday, Oct. 4, in St. Joseph Care Center West in South Bend, Ind. Katherine Douglas was born in Whitesville, Tenn., on March 16, 1912, to the union of the late George and Viola Douglas. She confessed hope in Christ at an early age, and maintained her faith in the Lord throughout her life.

While still in Tennessee, Katherine married the late Robert Bond in November 1926, and their union was blessed with two children. She moved to Alton, Ill., for a short time before coming to South Bend in 1941. Shortly thereafter Katherine joined Second Baptist Church and continued working in the name of the Lord.

On Dec. 26, 1975, Katherine was united in holy matrimony to Frank Lawshea, Jr., who also preceded her in death in April 1988. At the time of her death, Katherine was a faithful member of Saint Paul Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where, before her illness, she served on the Missionary Society, the Deaconess Board, and was a devoted member of the Sunday Church School's Women's Class #2.

Mother Katherine leaves to cherish her memories a daughter, Clara L. Hale; a son, Robert (Mary) Bond, Jr., and a foster son, Johnie (Modena) Clark; 14 grandchildren, John (Doris) Hale of Humboldt, Tenn., C. Eugene (Rosalie) Hale, Marian Ford, Yolanda Hale, Janice Bond, William Bond, Larry (Dorinda) Bond, Robert (Yolanda) Bond, III, Diane Bond, John (Tina) Bond, Valerie (Reginald) Bailey, Timothy (Michelle) Bond, Mae Bond and Jessie (Linda) Saunders; 11 foster grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Josie Mayes; a special nephew, Calvin Douglas; along with 17 more beloved nieces and nephews; three sisters-in-law, Lucille Douglas and Edith Douglas, both of South Bend, and Judy Douglas of San Antonio, Texas; and a host of relatives, loved ones and close friends.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Paul Bethel Baptist Church, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, South Bend. The Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home is in charge of services.