Born on July 17, 1931 Kathryn's loving parents Elizabeth Dover-Francis and George Francis raised her in Jamaica, NY.  Attending New York public schools, Kathryn graduated from Jamaica High School.  She studied nursing in college and worked for the United States Postal Service, and Chase Bank.  In 1949 she met her soul mate Archie John Chatman Sr.  Their hearts were joined in marriage on June 24, 1950.  Through combined effort and support provided in love and commitment their union was blessed with six beautiful children.  After raising six children of their own they also parented their oldest 4 grandchildren for nine years of their lives.  They lived in matrimony for fifty-nine years.

Kathryn radiated the strength and qualities of an awesome mom.  She taught each of her children how to cook, clean, and care for themselves ensuring their independence.  Always reiterating the importance of family, her children learned to always take care of one another.  During difficult times, there was never a shortage of good times as Kathryn and Archie always spent quality time with their children filling their hearts and souls.

Known to her many grand and great grandchildren as Grandma, Granny, Gam, and Gamma, Kathryn exuded the true meaning of a grand and great grandmother.  She was an exceptional grandmother, the absolute best!  Every summer Heckscher State Park was the place for family gatherings.  Though Pop Pop (Archie Sr.) said he would be swimming with the sharks, it was Gamma that ensured we (grandchildren) all went to the pool and had unlimited fun for hours.  Peas and rice, smothered chicken, and chili were just a few of the many meals we enjoyed her preparing.

I can recall as if it were yesterday standing in the bathtub and my Gamma telling me to put my arms out straight as she began to wash me from head to toe.  She always did my hair in pretty pony tails, two in the front and one in the back or one in the front to the side and one in the back (Alesha Chatman-White).

Kathryn was a wonderful wife!  The love her husband had for her spoke volumes to the great woman she was as he was a great man.  She was a kind, loving mother who put her children first.  As a care taker for her mother she was a very caring, and devoted daughter.  Regardless of where she shopped or what restaurants she ate at, she always made friends that truly cared for her.  They didn't miss an opportunity to greet her.

Many awe-inspiring things to many different people, Kathryn was loved and cherished by everyone who was blessed to have had her in their lives.  At the age of 85, Kathryn C. Chatman passed away on March 30, 2017.  She was predeceased by her husband, Archie John Chatman Sr.; daughter, Helen Chatman; son, Edward Chatman; sister, Minerva Gomez; son-in-law, Edgar Chandler; and great grandson, Xavier Wendler.  Kathryn leaves to celebrate her life her daughters, Elizabeth Broome (Gilbert), Marie Chandler; sons, Archie Chatman Jr., and John Chatman (Louise); daughter-in-law, Arnetta Chatman; nieces and nephews; 26 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; 3 great, great grandchildren, dear friends Flo, Virginia and a host of others who loved her.