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She later became one of the founding members of the local Sigma Chapter in Pearl River County, which continues to be active sixty-one years later. At the 2019 DKG state convention, Katherine was recognized for fifty plus years of leadership, mak- ing her a ‘Star’ member. In 1955, she married Arthur Carl Furr, a Picayune native, and in 1958 their first daughter, Awana, was born. Two years later, her second daughter, Melora, was born. Katherine Furr decided she would ask for maternity leave, but the Superintendent told her that had never been done before. After the school board and Superintendent discussed her request, the board granted her request and a new precedent was set. A few years later, Furr made a request to the board to change the teacher payroll procedure from a 9- month plan to a 12-month plan. Her reasoning was the hardship it put on teachers to receive a pay- check in May at the end of the school year and then not have another payroll check until Septem- ber. This request was also granted and became policy for the school district. In 1958, she was selected as Mississippi’s Senior High Teacher of the Year. Just a few years later, Katherine would take on another opportunity to ed- ucate others when the Mississippi Test Facility (MTF), now known as Stennis Space Center, was built in nearby Hancock County. With the arrival of many families to the area, Katherine partnered with IBM and AT&T to teach the binary system (basis for electronic computing). During this time, she taught at MTF for Mis- sissippi State University and USM, and she con- tinued to teach and in- spire her students at Picayune Memorial High School to use the unique opportunities presented as a way to expand and refine their knowledge. During her time teaching at Picayune Memorial High School, Katherine said she was blessed to work with students who exhibited the highest quali- ties of integrity, determination, and leadership. “Each of the thirty-five classes had great leaders, and each class took on a personality of their own. It is wonderful to remember the students from each year and that so many of the students still remem- ber me.” She said classes have been so nice by inviting her to their reunions where she has so much fun remi- niscing and reconnecting with students to share stories and memories. “It’s always such a great time to see them time and again.” During her tenure, Katherine said she felt privi- leged to be at Picayune during a time when the band program was so good. “Charlie Newman, Johnny Baker, and Jerry Cum- berland were news makers with their great bands. They always seemed to score all ones (top rank- ing) at state competition. I remember when Mr. and Mrs. L.O. Crosby arranged for the marching band to go to the Rose Bowl Parade,” she recalled. “That’s what makes Picayune special; people mak- ing sure the students are able to experience things like that.” Katherine remembered another person who was always there to help. “Mr. Leonard Carp and his Carp’s Boston Store would make sure students, particularly boys, had a shirt and tie to attend school events when that dress attire was needed. Again, Picayune has al- ways been a giving community. There are many 20 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Summer 2021