Katrina Yvonne Harris Marshall

Surrounded by loved ones, Katrina Yvonne Harris Marshall passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026. Born on May 9, 1955, to Grace and Charles Harris (deceased), Katrina lived a life defined by faith, love and service. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, aunt and teacher, whose great kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Outside of her dedication to her family and students, Katrina had a deep passion for music and theater. As a gifted vocalist and performer, Katrina’s love for the arts blossomed early. Her talent shined brightly during her youth, where she participated in multiple high school theatrical productions. A crowning achievement was performing in her high school’s production of the musical Purlie before an audience that included the legendary playwright and actor himself, Ossie Davis. She was an amazing singer with the renowned Richmond gospel group, Larry Bland and the Gospel 6 and sang as a soloist with the gospel praise team, One Accord. She also starred in many of her sister Marie’s gospel play productions.

Affectionately known to her loved ones as Kati, she was a proud 1973 graduate of Maggie Walker High School. Thereafter, she began her professional career working for the City of Richmond and DuPont before successfully opening two businesses of her own: an at-home daycare and Continental Hair salon. Realizing her lifelong passion for learning, Kati later returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Virginia State University in 1988 and her Master of Education in 1996. She dedicated the rest of her life to education and public service, leaving her mark at Henrico County Public Schools, Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Facility, John Tyler Community College and Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Kati was a fearless advocate for her community and underprivileged teens. She not only founded the Strive to Stay Alive program for suspended at-risk youth but, she also served as a tutor in mathematics as well as a community advocate– arguing before city council on numerous occasions in furtherance of safety in the Southside community. She also wrote grants for dozens of non-profit organizations and taught a GED program, for adults, in an effort to position them for success.

Kati’s family was the true center of her world. She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 46 years, Kermit Marshall. She will be deeply missed by her daughters: Staci Lee (son-in-law Jermaine Lee), Troi Mckenzie, and Sydni Marshall; her five precious grandchildren who brought her endless joy: Brandon, Jestdon, Joshua, Ryan, and Jayson; one goddaughter: Alexaundra; her siblings: Betty Brewer and Kenneth Harris; her granddogs: Chyna and Coraline; and a host of relatives and friends.

She is now reunited in peace with her parents, her son-in-law, David, her sister, Marie, her brother, Charles, her niece, Sandra, her nephew, Terry and her granddogs, Redd and Jack.