Katherine Staten

Katherine (Hicks) (Baker) Staten began her journey through this life in the winter of December 1934. The first born of Martha Hardwick Hicks and Cornelius Hicks. Most of her childhood and teen years it was just she and her mama. Katherine met and married Jay Dee Baker in 1951. From the union, seven children were born; Sandra Hayes, Vanita “Cherrie” Key, Patricia Baker, Janice Baker, Kathy Baker, Eddie Baker, Eric Baker, and Levi “LeeLee” Staten Jr., as well as two children by John Alexander; Jerry Baker, Linda (Roy) Rogers. After Katherine was married with children of her own, then her mother remarried John Mobley, from which union came two sets of twins, James and John Mobley, and Mary and Martha Mobley. Katherine was also blessed with step-brother, Anthony Hicks; and step-sisters, Phyllis and Sharon Hicks.

Katherine moved to Grand Rapids in January 1964, where she and John Alexander raised their children. Katherine worked faithfully at Michigan Bulb, the Salvation Army, and lastly at Butterworth Hospital, which she retired from with distinction. Shortly after moving to Grand Rapids, she had a dream about a cross lifted high, beckoning her. When she saw the cross atop the marquee at 57 Rena Street, she started sending her children there. Katherine was restored in the 1980s at Apostolic Faith Church under the late Bishop Lawrence E. Brisbin, where she remained until her transition. She held several positions in the Body of Christ: choir member, team member, as well as several positions in King’s Daughters and Sister’s Chorus. There was no place Katherine enjoyed more than being in the house of the Lord. She would often admit to knowing that she wanted to be the last one to leave every service. In her later years, Katherine’s health deteriorated greatly. But she still strove to be found in the house of God, worshipping with the saints and growing in faith and grace. Katherine was well loved by the saints. When she couldn’t get around to fellowship with others, they came to her. There would be a line or a ‘traffic jam’ near her favorite seat, with many coming to say “Praise the Lord” or to get a hug or kiss from sister Staten. And in her last days at Mission Point and Trinity Hospital, she still had many coming to fellowship with her. Mama’s family thanks you for your love and care.

Katherine Staten was loved by her 10 children, 43 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, and 47 great-great-grandchildren.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius Hicks, John and Martha Mobley; husbands, Jay Dee Baker, Levi Staten; children, Janice Kay Baker and Patricia Ann Baker; grandchildren, L. Allen Hayes, Carlos James-Martinez, and Brandi Ja Kia Gary.

Katherine Staten fell asleep on Thursday, June 29th, 2023. When she opens her eyes again, she’ll see Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, July 15 at Apostolic Faith Church, 1935 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, with Elder Dorian Richardson officiating. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family at church for an hour prior to the service.