Katrina Marie Staples, age 68, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
Ms. Staples was born on November 25, 1956, in Gainesville, Georgia. She was not expected to live longer than six months, but Katrina defied the odds with determination and an unbreakable spirit, blessing us with decades of her vibrant presence. Katrina’s smile was a gift to everyone she encountered, radiating warmth and joy that left lasting impressions. Her independence and headstrong nature allowed her to achieve what many deemed impossible, serving as an inspiration to all who knew her. Despite her disability, Katrina built a successful 20-year career, first as an operator and later as a receptionist for Standard Telephone. With an extraordinary work ethic, she never missed a single day on the job. Katrina was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. She delighted in shopping trips, attending musicals and plays, and indulging her creative side with arts and crafts, including puzzles, painting, and cross-stitching. Above all, Katrina will be remembered for the love she poured into her family and friends. She was a cherished daughter, sister, niece, and friend, as well as a devoted and doting aunt who supported her niece with pride in every extracurricular activity she pursued.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Edward “Jim” Staples. Survivors include her mother, Margaret “Peggy” Hughes Staples, of Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, J. Edward and Kimberly Brown Staples, of Buford; adored niece, MacKenzie Staples, of Buford; god-child, Jill Hudson, of Ada, OK; special cousins, Angela (Ricky) Bucy, of Rincon; Rebecca (Buddy) Smith, of Bowman; Robin (Gerald) Zeidler, Miami, FL; uncle, Robert (Margaret) Staples, of Miami, FL; uncle, John (Susie) Staples, of Cattawissa, MO; aunt, Frances (John) Crow, of Rincon; uncle, Jim (Lillian) Hughes, of Thomasville; uncle, Bill (Georgianne) Hughes, of Murphy, NC; special friends, Nancy (Rick) Ackerman, of Toccoa; Kathy (Randy) Jewart, of Clarkesville; and numerous cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Rev. Randy Kanipe and Rev. Phil Demore officiating. Interment will follow in the Clarkesville City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Habersham County Animal Shelter, 4231 Toccoa Hwy, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523, Cornelia Library, 301 N. Main Street, Cornelia, GA 30531, or to the Habersham County Veteran’s Wall of Honor, P.O. Box 298, Demorest, GA 30535.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
