A Tribute to Katherine D. Jones

We would like to honor our beloved sister/friend/author Katherine D. Jones who passed on 17 May 07. Her love for sharing her craft, interacting with the writing community, and most of all, helping aspiring writers pursue their dreams will always be remembered.

Katherine sold her first contemporary romance to BET Books in 2003. Born in Leonardtown, Maryland, she spent her early years traveling around the world as a daughter of a Foreign Service Officer for the Department of State, but resided in San Antonio, Texas at the time of her death. Jones obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology From Hampton University in Hampton, VA. She was married for over eighteen years to her husband Ivan Speights, an Army officer and Hampton graduate as well, and they have two handsome boys.

Writing credits include two novels published by BET Books in January and July 2004, Love Worth Fighting For and Worth The Wait, as well as magazine articles for Black Romance and several short stories. She was co-winner of the 2005 Shades Of Romance Magazine Reader’s Choice Favorite New Author Award and a 2005 Emma Award nominee for the favorite new author category. Her second title, Worth The Wait was a 4.5 star Romantic Times Top Pick for July 2004.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the sparkle in the snow.
I am the shredded leaves that blow.
I am the sunlight on growing grain.
I am the gentle summer rain.
I am the quiet bird at night.
Circling about; Taking flight.
So do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

We will never forget you Katherine!!

- Romance Slam Jam, Readers, Writers, & Other Friends