Kathryn N Gaines

 Kathryn Nixon Gaines was born April 19, 1938 in Philadelphia to Arthur Nixon and Ruth James Hoffman. She was raised in South Philadelphia and educated in the
Philadelphia school system, attending Roosevelt Jr. High School and Germantown High School. She joined historic Canaan Baptist Church in the 1970’s under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Gus Roman and re-committed her membership at Canaan just last year under the guidance and teaching of Pastor Derrick Brennan.
Kathryn was the proud mother of four children; Robin, Allan, Lisa, and Michelle. Family was very important to Kathryn. As an active mother, she participated in their many actives while modeling the importance of family, support, and always staying close together. She introduced her children to camping and Jersey Shore vacations at an early age; a tradition that her daughter Lisa continues to organize yearly. The family-fun vacations traveling to exciting locations like Cancun Mexico, Jamaica, Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach and Orlando kept the family close. Kathryn truly enjoyed these family vacation outings where her Philly and Denver families of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren always enjoyed each other.
As matriarch of her family home, with her distinctive voice and loving tone, she created a gathering place and constant revolving door for three generations of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, brother and sister and of course all of the associated family & friends. The food, the celebrations, the card games, the joys, the new babies, the first
steps, the counseling, the tears, the refuge, the unconditional love and the family staying close was paramount at 144 E. Pomona Street. Her love also extended across the waters to three girls in Uganda; Juliet, Joann, and Annette, helping to support their school fees and other needs.
Kathryn worked at Spiegel Catalog Co and Gimbles Department Store before starting her career at E.F. Houghton Co. in King of Prussia, Pa. She advanced to the position of Human Resources Assistant Manager and retired after 28 years of dedicated service. Kathryn was a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Order, Star of the East #19 Chapter. Over the years, she served the chapter in many capacities, most notably as Worthy Matron in 2003-2004. Under her leadership, the Chapter hit a grand slam in 2004 winning the Chapter of the Year and
Secretary of the Year Awards. Kathryn was recognized as Worthy Matron of the Year. Her home and hospitality were always open for meetings, good food and definitely good fun. She was also a faithful member of St. Catherine Royal Court #18, Order of Cyrene. She served as the Royal Commandress of #18. She was elevated to the position of Royal Grand Deputy for two administrations and then Royal Grand Deputy at Large.
As family matriarch, she carried many names and titles. Kathryn was affectionately called “Mom Mom” by her grand and great grandchildren as well as everyone on Pomona Street. Her niece Leslie (who was like a daughter) called her Kassie. “Yellow Moo Moo” was the name great-granddaughter Kaci lovingly gave her, and friends called her Kat or Miss Kat. Her faithful companion and love of her life was Denim her dog who would just bark a”Yip” and she would respond by picking him up to lie on her lap.
Kathryn is now reunited in the heavenly arms of her parents, Arthur Nixon and Ruth James Hoffman, brother Arthur Nixon and cherished grandson Shamari Taylor.
Kathryn’s loving memories will continue to live on through her children; Robin Nixon, Allan Taylor (Sabrina), Lisa Jackson, Michelle Taylor, siblings; Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Hoffman and Gail L. Hoffman; 13 grandchildren;Tyree Taylor, Takiya Taylor, Lisa Jackson, Allan H. Taylor, Markita Haynes-Williams (Tracy), Kareem ‘Bear’ Taylor, Tiffany Jackson, Shermika ‘Moosha’ Taylor, Brittny Jackson, Shamika Booda’ Taylor, Michael Hopkins, Malik Robinson, 10 great grandchildren Naveyah Brown, Tiana Taylor, Shamari Jackson, Amari Jackson, Kaci Lewis, Zane Taylor, Khori Robinson, Cody Sanders, Keean Robinson, Nova Jackson Sanders, niece Leslie Hoffman, The Frazier family and many extended family and friends.

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