Katherine Beard- Hollis passed away on December 18, 2025.
Katherine Beard-Hollis, affectionately known as Kat, Kathy, or Ms. Kay, was born on September 18, 1956, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Elizabeth Cheney and William Jackson. She was lovingly raised by her adoptive parents, the late Lawrence and Sarah Hopkins, who nurtured her with care and guidance. Katherine was educated in the Akron Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Buchtel High School.
Katherine’s life was deeply rooted in love—love for God, love for family, and love for people. She was first united in marriage to James Gerald Beard Sr., with whom she was blessed to share three children. She later found love again and married DJ Hollis, and from that union she was blessed with a son and a daughter. Family was the heart of Katherine’s life. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to nurturing, guiding, and uplifting her children and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, and unconditional love.
From an early age, Katherine answered the call of God and began a lifelong walk of faith. On January 25, 1968, she received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost—an encounter that shaped her life, strengthened her testimony, and remained the foundation of her relationship with the Lord. Katherine joyfully served God through worship, lifting her voice in song and praising Him with the tambourine. Led by the Holy Spirit, she birthed Benaiah Ministries, a place of healing, deliverance, and restoration, where young people were nurtured and empowered to discover, develop, and boldly walk in their God-given gifts of worship.
Katherine was a hardworking and determined woman who tirelessly built her landscaping business, Starting Over In Love, pouring dedication, excellence, and pride into every endeavor. She also had a servant’s heart and faithfully worked in group homes alongside her son, Brandon, providing compassionate care, love, and support to those in need. In her quieter moments, Katherine found joy in cooking, doing makeup, planting flowers, and, of course, shopping. She never met a stranger and will be lovingly remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, her warm smile, and her unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. Her life was a reflection of compassion, generosity, and selfless love.
Katherine was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, DJ Hollis; her brother, Harvey S. Murray; and her dear cousin, Alberta Holmes. She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy of love her devoted sons, Jamie Beard, Tobias Beard (Felicia), and Elder Brandon Hollis (Kiana); her daughters, Victoria Beard and her precious baby girl, Lauren Hollis; and her beloved grandchildren, Elijah, Zion, Ian, Ivey, Ivan, Leilani, Baraz, and Ila, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Tina Smith, Phillip Jackson, Michael Jackson, Kenneth Jackson, and Ronnie Jackson; her special cousins, Cara Hughes and Cherie Wright; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, faith, and unconditional love.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Greater Bethel Apostolic Church, 2335 15th St. SW, Canton, Oh 44706. Funeral service will immediately follow.