Katrina A. Yancey

Celebration of Life - Katrina's Story

Katrina Antoinette Yancey

October 4, 1970 – December 28, 2025

Katrina Antoinette Yancey was born on October 4, 1970, to Arnetta Honesty Yancey and Lawrence Yancey. From her earliest days, Katrina radiated a bright, inquisitive spirit and a deep sense of purpose. Though she lost her mother at a young age, she was lovingly nurtured and raised by a powerful circle of African American women who shaped her life and values—her great-grandmother Virginia R. Butler, her grandmother Selma Honesty, and many other devoted women like Pat Mason and Sonya Stokes, who surrounded her with love, guidance, and strength.

Katrina received her early education at the independent Afrocentric school Kubu, attended Ada Lewis Junior High School, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Northeast Philadelphia. She later attended Norfolk State University and completed her education at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she earned her paralegal credentials.

As a child, Katrina performed alongside her father, cultural activist Kofi Asante, and her brother Ohene Yaw Asante aka Lawrence Yancey at various cultural events. She developed a deep love for African dance, history, and African American cultural traditions—roots that remained central to her identity throughout her life. She was a spirited, strong Black woman who knew exactly who she was and walked proudly in that truth.

After completing her education, Katrina began her professional career at a small law firm on 12th Street between Walnut and Spruce in the early 1990s. She later joined the prestigious Philadelphia Contributionship, founded in 1752, where she became an essential and deeply valued member of the legal team. Katrina dedicated 25 years of service to the organization and was recently honored for her commitment, loyalty, and excellence. They truly loved their Katrina.

Affectionately known as “Kween K,” Katrina founded K’s Special Experience, an all-volunteer special events organization. Through it, she created and led the acclaimed Multicultural Affairs Festival in the Frankford/Northeast section of Philadelphia. For 14 years, this festival honored community elders, uplifted cultural pride, and provided meaningful activities, scholarships, and gifts for children and families. The festival was held annually at the Billy Gambrel Playground in the heart of Frankford PHA Housing.

Under her leadership, a dedicated volunteer team of more than 20 individuals served thousands of community members over the years. Katrina gave tirelessly of herself, always willing to help, guide, and uplift others. And while she never hesitated to help, she also never hesitated to tell you exactly how to do it right—that’s why everyone lovingly called her Kween K.

Kween K truly put the “F” in fashion and fabulous. When she entered a room, the light got brighter, the smiles grew wider, and everyone knew royalty had arrived. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and special. Her infectious smile, impeccable style, and radiant spirit were gifts from God that will continue to shine through all who loved her. That is her story—and we’re sticking to it. It’s a beautiful thing!

Katrina is now reunited with her loved ones who preceded her in transition: her mother, Arnetta; her brother Lawrence, aunt Jackie; her uncles James, Sidney, and Larry, her grandmothers Selma and Virginia; her cousin Lamar and a host of other aunts, uncles, and relatives who welcomed her home with open arms.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her father, Kofi Asante; her plus mother, Mama Anita Barnes Cauthorn; her sister, Raziya Yancey; her plus brother, Ryan Cauthorn (Joy Cauthorn); her uncle Ronald Honesty; her aunts Karen Honesty, Gwen Whitmore, and Debbie Nash; her sister-cousins Arnetta Honesty Savage (James Savage) and Tara Honesty; cousins James Honesty, Marcus Honesty and Jamal Honesty; her bonus sisters Allicia Graham and Scarlet Nova; her nieces Blair Blackwell and Shavonna Harrington; her nephew Barry Blackwell. As the queen that she was, she had five Godchildren: Ainye’ Johnson, Captain Nakiya Robley USAF, Taylor Martin, Tommi Claiborne, Aziza Gresham-Jones and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends who will forever carry her light forward.

An African proverb says, “As long as you call the name, the spirit never dies.”

Today, and always, we call your name:

Katrina Antoinette Yancey.