Katherine Settles Luke

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Mrs. Katherine Settles Luke at Bank of America via Zelle at KSLuke0104@gmail.com.

Katherine Settles Luke was born January 4, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Thomas J. Settles, Sr. and Elizabeth Johnson Settles. She passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, at the age of 93. Katherine was well-known for her skillful playing of the piano and organ as well as her soulful singing.

Katherine accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Peace Baptist Church where she worshipped alongside her parents Thomas and Elizabeth Settles and her brother Carl Settles, Sr. Katherine remained affiliated with Peace Baptist and was the church’s oldest member at her passing. Katherine started her music ministry at the age of 11 by playing for the Sunday School at Peace Baptist. At the age of 20, she became the Church Musician, and was devoted to her music ministry and to the church for over 50 years playing for and directing various church choirs over the years. The Peace Baptist Inspirational Choir was founded by Katherine as she saw the need for a choir for young adults. Outside of Peace Baptist, Katherine served as a musician for three different choir unions and was a favorite accompanist for any group or soloist in need.

Katherine graduated from Woodward High School in Cincinnati in 1949. She married Clifford Bradley Luke, Sr. on December 24, 1950, and six children were born from the union. Katherine was known for her superb cooking and baking. She prepared all her family meals with love and care. She was truly the woman described in Proverbs, as a talented seamstress, making stylish outfits for herself, her daughters and occasionally her sons. She faithfully made her home beautiful and welcoming for family and friends alike.

Katherine was known for her commitment to the Harmon Family Reunion started by her mother in 1967 by serving as the group’s first Recording Secretary for many years. She faithfully attended the regularly scheduled meetings up until the time of her passing. At the bi-annual family reunions and other family gatherings she was always the light and life of the gathering. In July 2023 she attended the most recent family reunion held in Cincinnati.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clifford B. Luke, Sr.  parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Settles; her brother, Carl J. Settles Sr.; her daughter Karen O. Leaks; her grandson, Jared B. McPherson; her granddaughter Roshanda Lockhart and great-great granddaughter Ja’Zyah Luke.

She leaves to mourn her passing five devoted children; Denise E. Lapsley of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Clifford B. Luke, Jr. of Suisun City, Ca., Tracie E. Luke and Clinton T. Luke (Vicky) of Cincinnati, and Craig A. Luke (Eloise) of Atlanta, Ga.; one son-in-law Marvin Leaks of Suisun City, Ca.; 10 grandchildren; Nicole E. Leaks, Erika R. Leaks, Brandi E. King, Chandler N. Luke, Austin D. Lapsley, Darren N. Lapsley, Jonathan C. Lapsley, Marvin T. Leaks, Stanley T. McPherson, Micah C. Luke, and Jamin A. Luke, 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Also, she leaves cherished god-daughters Shirdenia Bryant and Rula Bryant and loyal friend, Lucille McClure.

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