Kate E McNease

Kate was born on June 29, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia, the seventh child of the late Alice Anderson McMichael and Robert McMichael, Sr. Raised in a loving Christian home, Kate’s life was rooted in faith from the very beginning. She was baptized as an infant at Trinity AME Church in Southeast Atlanta, where she grew into a devoted and active member.

Kate graduated with honors from Thomas Heath Slater Elementary School and continued her education at Luther Judson Price High School, where she played the flute and piccolo in the marching and concert bands. She graduated with honors as a member of the Class of 1968, and received a scholarship to Morris Brown College. She majored in elementary education and held memberships in the National Teachers Association, the Elementary Education Association, the Student National Education Association, and she was also a member of the Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Alongside Leola Howard, she was appointed by Dr. Ann Cockran as a diplomat to represent Morris Brown’s integration with Georgia State’s education department. In 1970, she was honored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, as Miss Crescent. Kate graduated with honors in 1972.

That same year, she began a dedicated career with Eastern Airlines and for nearly two decades she served as a ticket agent until the airline’s closure in 1991. Kate returned to school and earned her master’s degree in education from Clark Atlanta University in March 1994. She served as a special education teacher and a counselor in both the DeKalb County and Clayton County School Systems. until her retirement in 2012.

Kate was a member of Kelly Lake Cathedral Church of God in Christ, in Decatur, GA, where she was a member of the Deacon's Wives Board.

She is preceded in death by her brother Robert McMichael, and her sisters Lulee McMichael Williams, and Charlene McMichael Montgomery and brother-in-law, William Montgomery and brother-in-law Jammie McKay.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a loving husband, Kenneth E. McNease, Sr.; a devoted son, Kenneth E. McNease, Jr.; a step-son, Christopher J. Smith, Sr. (Tunya); and a beloved daughter-in-law, Shawnne Smith. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Christopher, Jr. (Jasmine), Christan, Christal, Joshua, Justin, Jairus, Chase, Gavin, Nathan, Kenda, Tamala, and Cade.

She is also survived by her sisters, Joycelyn Thomas and Birdie McMichael McKay; her brother, Charles McMichael and a host of cherished relatives, extended family members, church members, and dear friends.