On September 7, 1941, in Machipongo, Virginia, a brilliant light entered the world: Katherine Spratley, daughter of Mary Ann and Robert. At age nine, she moved to Philadelphia, and in the early 1980s, she made New Jersey her permanent home—building community, deepening her faith, and continuing a lifelong devotion to service.

Her academic journey reflected remarkable resilience. She skipped a grade, put herself through community college, attended Temple Law School at night while working full time. She passed the New Jersey bar at a time when very few Black women were earning seats in the legal profession.

Katherine's story always began with family. She married Walter Wade III, and from their union came her two children, Anita and Walter IV, whom she loved with steadfast devotion. Her son Walter predeceased her yet she carried his loss with remarkable grace because of her love of the Lord. She knew God had called him home. Her love extended to her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, who filled her life with joy, laughter, and pride. Later, she married Charles Battle.

Elegant, impeccably dressed, quietly confident, and deeply faithful, Katherine carried herself with dignity and humility. She encouraged education, lived her values, and inspired excellence in those she loved.

Her love language was acts of service. She showed up—every day, for everyone. For friends in crisis, for those who needed comfort, for those who needed her presence. She offered her time, her listening ear, and her quiet strength even when her own schedule was demanding.

Katherine was also profoundly devoted to her church. A loyal member of the Philippian Baptist Church in Philadelphia and later the Bethany Baptist Church in New Jersey, she lived her faith through action. She served faithfully as a choir member, lent her gifts to multiple ministries—including the Generations Ministry (Board Member), I'm Free, Timothy Evangelism, DGEM-Care Team, and the Prison Ministry. Katherine was also a Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Abundant Harvest Bible Institute. She offered countless hours of legal guidance to both the church and members of the congregation. Katherine's faith was not merely spoken; it was demonstrated daily through service, generosity, and unwavering commitment.

Her sense of service extended into the broader community as well. She contributed her time and leadership to the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association, the Cherry Hill Library Board, and the Cherry Hill Democratic Committee, always seeking ways to uplift, advocate, and open doors for others.

Though refined and mild-mannered, Katherine held a quiet adventurous streak. She zip-lined, parasailed, and traveled the world—from Egypt and Rome to Switzerland, Africa, and Goree Island in Senegal—embracing life with intention, curiosity, and courage. Among her greatest lifelong joys was her bond with her sister-cousin, Tessie Nottingham, whose laughter, whispered stories, and "he-he-ha-ha" phone calls brought light to every season of her life.

Professionally, Katherine was a force. She served as an in-house litigator for over 20 years at the Camden County Municipal Utility Authority. She was a respected member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Camden County Bar Association, where she became the first President of the President's Commission on Diversity. She served on the NJ Supreme Court Committee on Character and the Committee on Ethics, and she answered the call to represent children through the Children's Advocacy Project. She also served as President of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey; she was a founder of the Honorable Marie White Bell Inn of Court and proudly served in the United States Naval Reserve.

In her final years, Katherine was lovingly cared for by her daughter Anita, supported faithfully by her grandchildren Emir and Jasmyn, who helped ensure she was surrounded by comfort, dignity, and deep love. Katherine took her last breath in her daughter's embrace, a sacred testament to their bond.

Katherine leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Anita, daughter-in-law Crystal Sykes, her grandchildren Cassis, Emir, and Jasmyn, four bonus grandchildren, great-grandchildren Saniya, Amari, Averi, and Allure, a host of family, friends, and special sister-friends.