Katie Mae “Beck” Dees who passed away June 4, 2015, was born October 1, 1913, to the late Eli and Nellie Beck in Cybur, MS.  She joined church at an early age, under the leadership of the late Rev. Y.L. Rayston.

Katie united in holy matrimony in 1932, to the late Walter Dees, Sr.  They moved to Picayune, MS in 1932, and joined Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. R.W. Woullard. Sister Katie was blessed to be the mother of eleven children:  Mamie Ray Dees, Walter Dees Jr., Shirley Dees McCaskill, Rev. Dr. Alonzo Dees, Edward Louis Parker, and grandchildren: Anna Bernita Jones Loggins, Christopher Dees, and Jeremiah Cooper-Parker preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death were: great grandchildren, her siblings, and her husband’s parents and their children. Sister Katie services rendered unto God as a youth were: president of G.A., president of Y.W.A., secretary of Sunday School and B.T.U.  As an adult at Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher, secretary of Senior Mission Auxiliary, superintendent of the Sunday School Department, usher, member of Pastor Aide Committee, prayer band member and advisor to the Junior Mission. She was always willing to serve in the church, and in the community.  She served as treasurer of the City Mission Union for many years. During her exemplary life she received many honors and awards, including:  NAACP Mother of the Year; honored several times as “The Oldest Member of Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church, honored as Mission Matron by Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church and as an Usher.  Sister Katie’s 100th Birthday Celebration was held at Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church. She was honored with a key to the city of Picayune and a proclamation of Katie Mae Dees Day by Picayune Mayor (Dr. Edward Pinero, Jr.) and special greetings from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Sister Katie was a loving, kind, friendly, giving and compassionate person who loved children and animals. She genuinely cared for the well-being of others and oftentimes sacrificed her needs for the sake of others. Sister Katie, with her soft-spoken voice and loving spirit, was an advisor to many. She never failed to say “thanks” for any deeds rendered unto her; nor did she fail to acknowledge “If it’s the Lord’s Will”, she would do whatever. She will be fondly missed by family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory: Alice Ruth Dees, Calvin J. Dees, Sr., (Oletha), Paul Dees (Lorene), Pearl D. Ducre’, Willie Earl Dees (Gladys) and Evelyn K. Walker; Ruth Manning Dees (daughter-in-law), Mattie Trust Beck (sister-in-law), Ruth Husband (special niece), and Ola Robinson (special “play-daughter”); approximately: thirty-eight (38) grandchildren, fifty-four (54)  great grandchildren, 8 great great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and those who saw her as a “mother figure.”

The funeral is to be held at Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church, 921 Baylous Street, Picayune, MS at 11:00 a.m.