Katherine Walker Bozeman

Katherine Walker Bozeman Katherine Walker Bozeman died Sunday, October 4, 2015, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born in the community of Vivian, Louisiana to Joseph Harrison Walker and Julia Barlow Walker on October 30, 1915, Katherine was just a few weeks away from celebrating her 100^th birthday. She was valedictorian of her high school graduating class; attended Northwestern State University (then known as Louisiana Normal) on an academic scholarship and graduated with honors; and received a Master's Degree in Education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She taught school in Calcasieu and Caddo Parishes for 52 years. Having grown up during the Great Depression, Katherine knew hardship and knew how to lift herself from humble beginnings to a position as a respected and beloved educator for generations of students. Her professional success was secondary to the commitment she had to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her family. She was a loving and devoted wife to Charlie Bozeman, who died in 1976. Of their marriage, Caroline Ann Bozeman Phillips and Robert (Bob) Joseph Bozeman were born. It is with great sadness that Caroline and Bob announce the passing of their loving mother who has been a constant source of wisdom, strength, and unfailing love. Our mom was known by several names. Her parents and many friends and colleagues knew her as "Pet," which symbolized her special nature; her granddaughters, Heather and Molly, knew her as "Boze," and to her grandsons Brad and Chad and great-granddaughter Vivien, she was "Grandma B." Most of all, she was our special lady who represented the finest in Southern tradition. Katherine was a long time member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. She faithfully served St. Luke's in many leadership positions including that of church treasurer. She was an active member for many years in Delta Kappa Gamma, which is a professional teachers' organization. She was also active with the Women's Department Club of Shreveport. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband Charlie Bozeman, parents Joseph and Julia Walker, older sister Helen Walker McCarley, and nephew Kurt Otwell. She leaves her daughter Caroline husband, Fred, grandson Bradley Phillips and wife, Audrey, great-granddaughter Vivien, and grandson Chad Phillips. She also leaves her son Bob and wife, Mary Grace, granddaughter Heather Katherine Bozeman Lensing husband, John Martin, and granddaughter Molly Louise Bozeman. She is also survived by her younger brother, Robert James (Jim) Walker and his daughter Julie and granddaughter Shawnee; niece Jerry Jan Grubb husband, Bob and her son Mike Otwell, nephew Bill McCarley and wife, Barbara and sons Hal, David, and nephew Billy Dicks. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church with Rev. Betsy Eaves officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rose-Neath Marshall St. Honoring Katherine as pallbearers are Bradley Phillips, Chad Phillips, Fred Phillips, and John Martin Lensing. Honorary pallbearers are Frank Hughes, Clyde Patterson, Joe Simon, and James Sullivan. Special thanks to Dr. Richard Haynie for his many years of love and care and her friends Donna Brogdon, Elinor Herd, Joann Joffrion, and Dorothy Nichols, who were so dear to her. Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 6012 Youree Dr., Shreveport, LA 71105 or to charity of choice.