Katie Qualls
Katie Lee Qualls was born on February 22, 1923, in Leighton, Al., to Fletcher and Eva Freeman.
She transitioned on Sept. 19, in a local hospital after an illness. Katie spent her early childhood growing up in Leighton. After her union with the love of her life, Cotrell Leon Qualls, and his return from the military, they relocated to Chattanooga. To this union was born seven children, six boys and one girl.
Shortly after arrival to Chattanooga, Katie joined the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Her ministry was sharing God’s word and serving others. She served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, president of the St. John Missionary Society, president of the Culinary Committee, member of the senior choir, member of Mother’s Board, and a diligent member of the Chattanooga Hamilton County Baptist Mission and Education District Association. She volunteered at the Hamilton County Nursing home for many years. She was a true servant and received many accolades.
Katie was a dedicated wife, loving mother and friend. She reared her children in the admonition of the Lord and she taught them the importance of family. After working long hours, she would always make sure her family had a hot meal with her famous sweet tea. Not only did she prepare for her family, her table was open to whomever stopped by. She was known to serve those who just wanted or needed a hot meal.
Katie’s working career spanned 30 plus years at Medical Arts Pharmacy, Dr. David Isbell’s dental office, and Provident Insurance Company. She found her perfect job when she began her employment at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1971. After several position progressions, she became supervisor of the game room, located in the Student Center. This was the perfect job for her charismatic personality. She became surrogate mother for many. Upon her retirement, some of the students sponsored a celebration in her honor to acknowledge her importance in their lives. She maintained many of these friendships throughout retirement.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Cotrell L. Qualls; son, William K. Qualls; parents, Fletcher and Eva Freeman; sister, Lyda Bernice Wade and brother, Eddie Vinson Freeman.
Katie leaves to cherish loving memories a devoted daughter, Carol Loveless (Atlanta, GA); devoted sons, Edward Leon (Loretta) Qualls, San Diego, CA; Thomas Qualls; Richard (Linda) Qualls; Bernard (Velicia) Qualls; Anthony Qualls all of Chattanooga; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.
Other dedicated and caring family and friends are: nieces, Lizzie Young, Orlando, FL; Linda Sendaula, Helotes, TX; Delois King, Flint, MI; nephews, George Wade, Ponnie Mastin (Monica), Larry Wade all of Chattanooga, TN; son-in-law, Paul Loveless, Atlanta, GA; daughter-in-law, Vnita Qualls, Atlanta, GA; cousins, Gwendolyn Miller and Ussery Ray, Town Creek, AL; care-giver, Linda Parrish; like a son, James Cunningham, neighbors, Luther and Rachel Shockley; lifelong friend, Rebecca Mireeall of Chattanooga, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Public viewing will be from 2 - 6 pm Monday, September 28,2020, at the funeral home.
A private funeral service will be held.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.