Catherine Harris Cuesta

Catherine Ann Harris Cuesta (affectionately called Cathy, KK, Aunt KK, Auntie, Aggie, and Grammie) passed away peacefully on Friday, September 2, 2022. She was the second of six children born to the late William R. and Theoria J. Harris on December 10, 1951 in Washington, D.C. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents in 1999, and older brother, William R. Harris, Jr. in 2011.

Being the second oldest, Cathy developed a sense of responsibility early in life. Although she enjoyed doing things kids do, she also spent time helping Mom around the house with various chores.

Her primary education began at Noyes Elementary, then Langley Junior High, and finished at McKinley Tech High School where she graduated in 1970. As with everything in her life, Cathy was dedicated and diligent with her studies. She went on to attend Howard University majoring in Human Ecology graduating Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in 1974. She also went on to earn a Master’s degree from Howard University in 1978.

Cathy was baptized as a teenager and was a devoted member of Walker Memorial Baptist Church until her passing. She participated in many Bible study courses, supported church events, served on the Usher and Trustee ministries, served during funeral services, and other events at the church. Her faith was very important to her. She loved God’s Word and truly lived by it.

She spent her early working years in the DC Government and worked in banking for some time. Then, she went on to work in the Human Resources Department at the Library of Congress for 32 years where she retired from in December 2019. During her service at the Library of Congress, Cathy was a very dedicated employee who earned many promotions and awards. Her co-workers knew her to be very helpful, patient and kind whenever they sought assistance.

Cathy learned to sew in junior high school, which led to her becoming an excellent seamstress. Sewing was her avocation, but it could have been her profession. She was that good! Cathy used her babysitting money to purchase fabric and patterns nearly every week to fashion untold numbers of clothing items. She made clothes for herself and nearly every family member including dresses for

graduations, proms, and weddings.

Aunt Kk was an avid bowler and was apart of multiple leagues for many years. She was a very good bowler who really knew the rules of the game. She also took some golfing lessons and enjoyed watching golf, tennis, and football. Though she was somewhat reserved, she would excitedly watch the Washington Commanders (formerly Washington Redskins) games and cheer them on.

KK was precious to, beloved by, and a pillar in our family. Her love, dedication, generosity, compassion, and thoughtfulness were unmatched! She was great at remembering everyone’s special occasions with a card, call, or gift. Cathy possessed the same self-sacrificing spirit as her mother. She always had time for us often sharing sage advice. Indeed, she gave much of her time and effort to assist whenever called upon whether it was taking a niece or nephew to college, assisting with school projects, helping her sister at craft shows and so much more. Cathy was extremely patient, helpful, and diligent at whatever task she worked on.

Cathy is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Cuesta, granddaughters Mikaylah and Alaylah, sisters Yvonne Nelson Fletcher (Cortez), Jackie LeGrant (Todd), brothers Reginald L. Harris and Kevin L. Harris (Janet), aunts Novella Wooden and Alfreda Jenkins, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.