Katie Louise Payton-Fields graduated Kashmere Jr.Sr. High School in 1968. She made honor roll several times during her tenure. She was a part of the final class that graduated from the original Kashmere Jr.Sr. High School, the home of the Maroon and White Rams.

Katie was a member of the girl’s swim team as captain and co-captain. Her specialty included the 100-yard freestyle and backstroke. She would often frighten her parents on Finnegan Park high diving board with her dare devil stunts. During Kashmere summer swim program, she was also an instructor.

After graduation, Katie attended Texas Southern University, and Houston Community College becoming a Certificated Payroll Specialist in which she became a member of the Houston Payroll Professionals. She worked in the field of payroll and employee benefits, at varies companies. During my tenue at Continental Airlines, she had the opportunity to fly her family members’ just about anywhere Continental serves.

Katie is a woman of Faith. She was a faithful member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church for 55 plus years. She served on the financial committee and as the secretary of the day mission. She also served as the President of the Usher Board for over 40 years continuously, with three different groups. In 2022 Katie joined Breaking New Ground Ministries to be with her husband. 

Katie is also a community advocate.  She served as one of the members of the Board of Directors for an organization called Living Without Limits Living Large Inc. a support and referral organization that help people living with disabilities, especially those who are living with HIV and identify as heterosexual. 

Katie Fields married her sweetheart of 50 years; Donnie Fields (demise 8/22) was also a graduate of Kashmere, the class of 1967.  They were blessed with two girls (Kaisha &Katrina), two boys (Dray & Patrick), four grandchildren (Dazarae, Reggie, Joshua & Aaron), and three great-grandchildren (Leal, Ariel and Makayla). Katie is also the big sister to four sisters and four brothers under the parenthood of Mr. Mayfield and Johnnie Mae Ligons.  

Katie’s motto:  Don’t forget to stop a minute and “Thank God for Everything.”