Katharine Zemp Needle's Obituary
Katharine Zemp Needle (AKA Katie, Honey) passed away peacefully at her home January 23, 2021. Katie was born April 4, 1937 in Knoxville, she was a 1955 graduate of East High School in Memphis. She worked as a bookkeeper for several businesses through the years. Katie lived a full life filled with a spirit of love, laughter, fun, jokes, and giving to others. Katie professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized July 14, 1991 at Bellevue Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Adrian Rogers.
Katie was known for her love of dancing, Elvis, and animals. She especially had a heart for Golden Retrievers. She had two Goldens over the years – Ginger & Lady who were so well trained that random people would take notice and stop Katie to talk to her about her babies. Katie volunteered for the Memphis Golden Retriever Rescue for several years where she fostered many dogs. She would also dog sit for family and friends.
Katie was a master at gardening which was evident in her manicured flower beds. Katie received the Germantown Beautification Award on several occasions.
Katie was preceded in death by her husband Alan J. Needle, father Charles R. Zemp, stepmother Catherine Zemp, mother Marjorie E. Sims Zemp, twin sister Earnestine (Ernie) Zemp Huffman, and brother Stewart Zemp.
She is survived by her son Thomas E. (Gene) Fleming (Tammy) of Athens, AL, daughter Rachel W. Magee (Jay) of Hendersonville, TN, grandchildren Walter Lee Fleming (fiancé Elleyna Clinton), Rebecca F. Brown (Jake), and Holly Pitts (Bryan); Nieces Teresa Briggs (son Andy), Beth Huffman Madewell (Richard), Cindy Huffman (daughter Katie), and a host of friends who loved her dearly.
Special thanks to Crossroads Palliative & Hospice Care, Elect Home Care, and Visiting Angels.
Pallbearers: Lee Fleming, Jake Brown, Richard Madewell, Bryan Pitts, Eddie Bloodworth, Rocky Goodwin. Honorary pallbearer: Vern Cheffer.
The visitation will be held on Monday, February 1 at 1:00 p.m. with a graveside service to follow at 2:00 p.m. all at Memorial Park funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TM, 38119.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue, or the charity of your choice.
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