Katie Lucille Burnside

Katie Lucille Burnside aka Katie Love

 January 17, 1944 – October 18, 2024

Katie Lucille Starks was a remarkable woman whose life's journey began on January 17, 1944, in the vibrant heart of Dallas, Texas. Born in the nurturing embrace of her maternal grandmother's home, (whom she was named after) Katie arrived weighing just 4 pounds, requiring a chicken incubator to keep her warm. The family humorously remarked that she had been "hatched," a testimony to her spirited beginnings.

Katie enjoyed an affluent upbringing as the only grandchild of Houston, TX socialite and elite caterer, Stella G. Starks. She spent her early years in Los Angeles, CA, where she embraced her education and faith as a Seventh-day Adventist. Her parents, Edward John Starks Jr. and Willie Mae Starks, both college-educated trailblazers of the 1940s, instilled in her the importance of knowledge and ambition. When she was 14 and 15, her family grew to include two sisters, Stella Louise and Denise Michelle. As the family moved around due to her father’s pioneering military service in the Army and finally the Air Force, Katie found herself at Anchorage High School in Alaska, making history as the first Black cheerleader in the school's annals. She majored in piano studies and French, and her abundant talents earned her a full scholarship opportunity to prestigious institutions like Juilliard School of Music in NY and Texas Prairie View University; however, life led her on a different path when she married her high school sweetheart, Willie Curtis Lynch. Together, they welcomed three blessed children: William Edward ‘Skip’ Cheryl Renée, and Karyne Yvette. 

After her marriage to Willie ended, Katie courageously embarked on a new chapter in Colorado, where her indomitable spirit flourished. After a move to Colorado Springs, a fateful meeting in 1969 with singer and songwriter Leslie Burnside (the love of her life) ignited an electrifying partnership, culminating in their wedding on March 28, 1975. They were together for 44 years.

Katie's extraordinary talent as a vocalist shone brightly throughout her life. She experienced the honor of singing with Mahalia Jackson as a child and loved being in choirs. She toured with the popular duo ‘The Love Sisters’ and several bands, but it was in the group Katie Love and The Four Shades of Black (under the musical direction of Leslie) that she experienced the most excitement and career success. With the support of music legends like Jimmy Jules and Isaac Hayes, between 1971-1973 she was signed to both Muscle Shoals Sound and Stax record labels. The group recorded the original version of the soul song It Hurts So Good. Her musical partnership with Leslie established them as prominent entertainers, delighting audiences alongside renowned artists such as The Whispers, Fats Domino, Richard Pryor and Bobby Womack, (Their group sang background on Womack’s hit song That’s the way I feel about cha).

In the late '70s, Katie and her family moved back to Denver, where she dazzled audiences with her theatrical performances at Bonfils Theater, (winning an award for "Best Singer in a Musical" from the Denver Drama Center), and the local and touring production of ‘Beehive the 60’s Musical’ where she shared the stage with her daughter Sheryl Renee. Katie took great pride in knowing that all three of her children forged their own paths in the world, including her two oldest who followed in her musical footsteps. Her son, Skippy Dee is a lifelong and admired drummer and vocalist.

Katie's professional life also reflected her exceptional skills; she adeptly worked for The Denver Post and later the IRS, with her impeccable typing proficiency, until her retirement in January 2006. Following the passing of her beloved Leslie in 2012, Katie returned to Denver from Atlanta, GA, where she flourished personally and musically.

In her later years, Katie reveled in her independent living at The Meadows at Montbello, sharing her beautiful voice with a women's ensemble called ‘Joyful.’ Her days were filled with friendship, hymns, crossword puzzles and cherished memories until her passing at age 80, on October 18, 2024.

Katie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience and artistry, remembered fondly by her sister Stella Starks, sister-in-law Vicque Grey, children, William “Skip” Edward Lynch (Melody), Cheryl ‘Sheryl Renee’ Lynch, Karyne Yvette Lynch, and Leslie’s son, Forrest Burnside Maestas; eight grandchildren, (Demetre (Andi), Leah, Jessica, Rena, Dante, Tyeesha, Kayla (Andre), Ameerah, and eighteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Her spirit will forever echo in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, a beacon of light and love, whose vibrant melodies will live on for generations to come.