Katherine Louise Hale Swope passed away on April 12, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on January 2, 1928 to the late Raymond Hale, Sr. and Catherine Chinn Hale in Lexington, KY. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. She retired from Whirlpool Corporation after 16 years of service. Katherine was a member of the Lincoln Clark Douglas Alumni Association, a founding member of the 7 G’s Club, an avid bowler, and an excellent cook. She professed her life to Christ at an early age, and was a lifetime member of Liberty Baptist Church, where she was head cook at the church for many years. She also enjoyed cooking for the old Otis Stone Post American Legion and would always be called upon for her fried chicken and pecan pies. Although bearing a tough exterior, she had a heart of gold. She was mother to many she knew and never turned away anyone that was in need.
In addition to her parents, Katherine was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Joe David Swope; her brothers, Raymond Hale, Jr., and James Hale, Sr.; her grandson, Julius Miller and her great-granddaughter, Chloe Miller. She is survived by children: Phyllis Miller, Robert Miller, Jr., (Rechelle), Carl Moody and Sherry Swope; stepdaughter Donna Kay Hargrove and stepson Terry Swope; grandchildren: Kathy McQueen (Major) of Raleigh, NC, Carlos Miller (Stephanie), Gary Miller (Cecilia) of Phoenix, AZ, Eric Miller, Lauree Miller of Dallas, TX, Ashley Miller, Shawn Mann, Ronesha Blanks of Dallas, TX, Jerel Hayden, Bianca Miller and Kentrell Henry; 20 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren; brothers: Jesse Cox (Georgia) of Chicago, IL, Homer Hale (Brenda); sister, Betina Bennett (Oscar); a host of nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends Margaret Bell and Shirley Clark.