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https://www.flipsnack.com/alcbf/catrina-harper-funeral-program/full-view.html Catrina Yvette Pickens Harper was born on Saturday, December 13, 1969 at Burns Hospital, Cuero, TX to Willie “Poochie” Clifford Pickens Jr. and Carol Annette Ross Pickens. At the age 6, Catrina had one of her kidneys removed due to a Wilms tumor. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Decades went by without any known medical issues. She was baptized at an early age by the late Dr. G. V. Clark of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Austin, TX. Her family later united with Greater Union Baptist Church where she remained until her passing. She loved the Lord and worked diligently at church. She attended Sunday School and was the “reader” until her health failed. She was once a part of God’s Anointed praise dance team and the former Jr. Mission. Her forte was ushering where she served as president for many years. For a couple of years Greater Union won the Usher’s attendance awards from the St. John Northeast District. Even when her health was deteriorating and she really wasn’t feeling well, she would usher when she could. She worked in the church wherever she was needed. She attended T. A. Brown Elementary, Pecan Springs Elementary, Blanton Elementary, Pearce Middle School and L. B. J. High School. She was a part of the L. B.J. First Lady drill team. Go Jaguars! To further her education, she attended Nixon Clay Business School and Austin Community College for an Applied Science Degree as a Paralegal. She worked and retired from the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office as a legal secretary. There she had the opportunity to meet and bond with some great people. She loved making her own money. It was difficult for her not to be able to work and drive due to her health. She tried several times to work. The most rewarding was sitting with patients. Doing that she was able to help other people and at the same time experience self-worth. Due to her experiencing medical problems at an early age, Catrina learned to be an overcomer and a fighter. She was a very loving, caring, resourceful, independent, hardworking, and responsible your lady. She took the initiative and got her first job at Dairy Queen. She saved her money and bought her first car. She loved to shop which was exemplified in the fashionable way she dressed. She not only shopped for herself but also for others, especially her mother, brother, nieces and nephews. She was a giver. She was an expert hula hooper and nobody could match her skills. She loved to travel. Two of her most memorable excursions were an Alaskan Cruise and a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii. She met Issac W. Harper in her early years. Later in life, their paths crossed again, and they were married. Issac stood by Catrina for many years as a diligent attentive husband and her caregiver. Catrina loved her family and friends. Her pride and joy was her brother “chipmunk”, her “Four Heartbeats” nephews and nieces, grandsons and Savannah “her dog”. She loved people in general. She would support her nieces and nephews for sporting events and extracurricular activities. She looked forward to her yearly birthday celebrations and couldn’t wait to put in her menu order and party themes. Catrina was a blessing to those who knew her. She touched many lives. Catrina leaves to cherish her memory, Her husband, Issac Harper; Her mother, Carol Ross Pickens (Fiancé Leon Brookens Jr.); Brother, Shay J. Pickens Sr.; Step-daughters, Mae Alexis Harper and Maci Elizabeth Harper; Grandsons, Isaiah Harper and Carmelo Harper; Nephews, Shay J. Pickens Jr. and Willie C. Pickens III: Nieces, Sierra J. Pickens, Shaniya J. Pickens and Breiah Harper; Sister-In-Love, Monica D. Gentry; In-Laws, Henry D. Harper Sr. and Lillie Mae Harper; Brother-In-Laws, Anthony (Shameika) Harper and Henry Don (Tonya) Harper; Uncles, Mitchell Ross and Derrick Ross; Great Uncles, Bobby Lewis, and Thomas Johnson; Aunts, Dorothy F. Brown, Ivory Jean Eldridge, Linda Ross, Gloria Pickens-Cunningham, Joice Pickens, Helen Battles Ross, P. Pearl Ross Johnson, Anita Trevino; Great Aunts, Buelah King and Ora Lee Littles; and many cousins; bonus mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, God Children and friends. She is preceded in death by her father; maternal grandparents, Joseph J. Ross and Doris Lee Littles Ross; and paternal grandparents, Willie C. Pickens Sr. and Lorraine Lewis Pickens.

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Catrina Yvette Harper

December 13, 1969 - May 20, 2024