God smiled on Katrina Robyn Britton at birth when on August 10, 1964, He placed her in the loving Christian home of James and Eleanor Britton, the sixth of eight siblings. Captivated by the new baby in their home, her eldest sister, Lauris at age 6, would say, "Mommy, what did you say the baby's name was again? Kaa - Kaa." Mommy replied, "Katrina". Lauris responded, "Oh, that's it, KK!", a nickname lovingly embraced by family and close friends throughout her life.

Under the guidance of God-fearing parents, she learned about the love of God and established a relationship with Him. Her faith-walk was nurtured by Christian education as she attended Northeastern Academy and Pine Forge Academy. Katrina's educational journey at Pine Forge was particularly precious to her because she formed several lifelong friendships and discovered her passion for woodworking. Over the years, she refined her hands-on skills by building furniture and repairing household items, which became a hobby and source of satisfaction. Family and friends have benefited from her physical strength and her mastery of tools like hammers, drills, saws, and other devices in her toolbox. Thanks to Katrina's special touch, blinds and window treatments now adorn homes, ceiling joists and rafters stand tall, and special paint effects beautify walls and add to lovely home decor.

Katrina's higher education began at Oakwood University (Huntsville, AL), where she sang with the world-class Aeolians choir. She continued her academic pursuits at Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY), where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Later on, she earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University (Savannah, GA), and an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln University (Harrogate, TN). Her successful academic pursuits prepared her to be an outstanding special education teacher and behavioral specialist. Her unwavering dedication to her students, guiding them through their high-risk behaviors and learning disabilities, made an indelible impact on their lives. With her wealth of knowledge, physical and emotional strength, and an unwavering passion for her work, Katrina positively impacted countless young people.

While Katrina's love for her students was immeasurable, it was only superseded by her love for her children. Her beloved Jalisa, Keilah, and Kamahni are the fruit of her marriage to U.S. Army Chaplain Eddie Kinley and were her greatest blessings. In fact, her decision to become a teacher was motivated by her desire to spend summers with her children. She loved being a mother and, like her parents, was passionate about her children and her grandson's spiritual growth and development. She was consistent in having family worship and connecting them with their church community. Her heart's desire was for her children and grandson to be raised in the Lord, a sentiment reflected in a Scripture she referenced, III John 1:4 which says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

Jalisa, Keilah, and Kamahni describe their mother as driven, passionate, and loving, words that also resonate with her seven siblings. The special bond Katrina enjoyed with her brother and sisters was a constant source of love and support until she breathed her last breath. When speaking of their sister, the Britton siblings use descriptive words like generous, tenacious, strong, and fashionable. Her fashion sense took expression when she came to adulthood, moving on from the communal "girl's closet" during childhood, to providing her own clothing. None of the sisters were more fashionable than Katrina! From the crown of her head to the sole of her feet, she was indeed Eleanor's daughter, beautiful inside and out, like her mother!

Even with her keen fashion sense, Katrina was anything but superficial. Her warmth and beauty radiated from a much deeper place than that. Katrina's loving, trusting relationship with God gave her grit, resilience and an indomitable force to be reckoned with. She called upon that internal faith and fortitude when she received a cancer diagnosis in December of 2022. Although the prognosis was grim, she spoke words she had spoken many times before, "It's in God's Hands." And she lived what she spoke, giving testimony to God's power, love, faithfulness, and righteousness until her last breath. Glory to God!

Katrina Robyn Britton was preceded in death by her parents, James and Eleanor Britton. She will be sorely missed by her children, Jalisa, Keilah, and Kamahni Kinley, her grandson, Nasir Warner; her siblings, Lauris Nicholson (Ted), Glenda Ward (Karl), Talitha Mills (Adan), Michael Britton, Quintessa Williams (Alfred), Tawanna Britton, Leilani Scott (Sokoni); and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and many, many friends she made along the way.

Let us all cherish her memory and, like KK, face disappointments and challenges with courage, TRUSTING GOD as we prepare for Jesus' soon return to receive all His precious jewels who love Him and long for His coming.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 9:30 AM CST - 11:00 AM CST at Oakwood University Church, A Seventh-Day Adventist Congregation, 5500 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, Alabama 35896 with the funeral service following at 11 AM CST.

Interment will follow in Oakwood University Memorial Gardens, 1 HL Cleveland Way, Huntsville, Alabama 35806.

Pallbearers will be Kamahni Kinley, Wonde Nicholson, Joshua Anthony, Matthew Nicholson, Jordan Williams and Tony Nicholson. Honorary pallbearers will be Theo Nicholson, Jacob Mills, Micah Scott, Malachi Scott and Wesley Cornelius.

The family is deeply appreciative for support and love during this time. To donate to Katrina's grandson education fund, please click the link below:

https://mtyc.co/pu5b1f

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.