Kathryn Lou (nee: Armstrong) Cooper-Shorter, age 72, passed away with her family by her side on November 22, 2017.  Kathryn was born March 18, 1945 in Georgetown, Illinois, the daughter of William "Pap" and Thelma B. (nee: Smith) Armstrong.

Kathryn moved to Racine, Wisconsin in 1976 to be close to her special cousin, Renee Love.  Throughout her career she worked in various positions where she was able to touch and help numerous people.  Her positions included: R/K CAA Head Start Coordinator, Racine County Juvenile Detention Worker and Racine County Housing Authority Case Worker from which she retired.

Kathryn was a strong proponent of Higher Education; therefore, after raising her children, she pursued her Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University and later at the age of 59, she earned her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.  Her hobbies included, spending time with her family, knitting, crocheting, eating barbeque ribs, T-bone steaks, bowling, playing bid wiz and loving on her dogs: Jahnazia, whom she leaves to cherish the many good times they've had together and   Ti-Ziay, Tinker, Treasure and Ti-Ziay II, all whom preceded her in death.  She would consistently refer to her dogs as her children.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, William and Thelma Armstrong; her daughter, Nichelle N. Cooper; great granddaughter, LaBresha Lillard; brothers, William Armstrong and Jessie R. Armstrong; sisters, Vivian Carter and Ethel Armstrong; Aunt, Lula Caldwell; Uncle, John Caldwell as well as her son-in-laws, Curtis L. Troop and David Washington.

She leaves to cherish her memory five children, son, William J. Armstrong of Racine, WI; daughters, Victoria Washington of Lithonia, GA, Tawnya (Kinnie) Williams, Nyla Troop and Yolondalee (Andre) Johnson all of Racine, WI.; Eighteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and her cousin, Renee Love.

The family would like to give special thanks to Latisha Ratliff, Angela Rosser, Renee Freeman and Myra Williams for the care they provided to her during her last days.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 11:00 am at New Omega Baptist Church, 5731 Northwestern Avenue, Racine, WI.  Visitation will be in the church from 10:00am until the time of service.  There will be a visitation only, on Friday, December 1, 2017, 11:00am – 1:00pm a St. James Free Will Baptist Church, 347 E. Seminary Street in Danville, Illinois.  Following the visitation Interment will take place at Georgetown Cemetery in Georgetown, Illinois.

Service Details

Racine, Wisconsin

Funeral: Thursday, November 30, 2017  11:00am

Visitation: Thursday, November 30, 2017  10:00 – 11:00am

Location: New Omega Baptist Church, 5731 Northwestern Ave, Racine, WI

Illinois

Visitation Only: Friday, December 1, 2017  11:00am – 1:00pm

Location: St. James Free Will Baptist Church, 347 E. Seminary Street, Danville, Illinois

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