Elder Marion Kate Augusta - Emerson

I talked with God one night. He reassured me that everything would be alright. He took me in His arms and said, “Kate, don’t be alarmed.”

Then He took me by the hand and carried me to the promised land. So, my family weep not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy for me. I have gone to the Father.  

On September 20, 1947, the late Reverend Magie Florzell and Gracie Lee Emerson were blessed with a beautiful baby girl named Marion Kate. She was a cherished addition to a lively family filled with many brothers and sisters. From a young age, Marion radiated friendliness and happiness, enjoying precious moments with her family and friends. Marion received her education in the Missouri public school system, graduating from Washington High School in 1965. Eager for new adventures, she left her small hometown of Caruthersville, Missouri, to join her older brother Leonard in Denver, Colorado. After moving to Denver, Leonard encouraged her to apply for a position at IBM Technologies, and she was thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter in a professional environment. Upon her parent's wishes, Marion’s sister Gracie relocated to the area; later, her younger sister Dorothy joined them in 1967. They embraced the joys of "big city living," making the most of their weekends together. Marion met and married the handsome Air Force serviceman Morris Augusta in 1970. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children, Tora Lynn and Rafael Dubonnet. Like many mothers, Marion experienced an overwhelming love at first sight for her little ones, dedicating herself to providing them with the best life possible. Her unwavering commitment to her family always came first. After her marriage dissolved, Marion sought a flexible schedule to support her children and their activities. She attended the Emily Griffin Opportunity School and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). For over 30 years, she worked at Rose Medical Hospital and various nursing facilities. She was known for her compassion and dedication to patient wellness. Family members often turned to her for medical advice, and she never hesitated to provide a diagnosis. Her son Rafael and his wife Cody gave Marion the present of a lifetime; she joyfully became a doting grandmother to Lunden and Peyton Augusta. Her grandchildren filled her life with happiness, and she delighted in sharing their accomplishments with everyone around her. Marion was a loving presence in her family and friends' lives, always ensuring everyone felt valued. Her thoughtful gifts and unwavering support during life's milestones made birthdays, graduations, and Christmases extra special. If you were fortunate enough, you may have savored her world-class spaghetti and cheese and legendary banana pudding. While working at IBM, Marion met a co-worker, Carolyn Beechum-Vinson, who invited her to the House of Joy Church, where her father, Apostle Ruben Beechum, served as pastor. Marion accepted the invitation, and since 1971, her life transformed as she received Christ as her personal Savior. She knew she had found her calling and began living her life dedicating her time and talents to the church, teaching in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Women Ministry, and any place where she was needed. Marion was ordained into the ministry, learning the profound power of faith and prayer and working in the gifts of prophecy, healing, and deliverance. In 1983, the Holy Spirit led her brother Leon to establish Now Faith Christian Center Church, and Marion joined him in preaching faith back into the hearts of God's people. Known affectionately as Elder Kate and Aunt Kate, she had an unyielding belief in the power of prayer, readily offering her intercession at any time and place. Whether visiting the sick or simply sharing her faith, she loved teaching others about salvation and the boundless possibilities of having faith in God through His word. In 2023, God guided her to Cornerstone Christian Church, where she served under Pastor Kenneth Greene until she transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly reward. On August 7, 2024, Elder Kate/Aunt Kate completed her earthly journey, having fought the good fight and finished her course. She was ready to reunite with her loved ones who had gone before her, including father Magie Forzell, mother Gracie Lee, brother Leonard Waldo, sister Clara Nell, sister Gracie Lougenia, brother Jesse Houston, brother Leon Maurice, niece Rhonda Denise, grandson Peyton John, and many others. Marion will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Tora Lynn, her son Rafael (Cody), grandson Lunden, her sister Annie Lois Willaims of Gary, Indiana, her sister Dorothy Johnson-Emerson of Denver, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many cherished loved ones. Her legacy of love, faith, and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.