Raised by elderly relatives, Katherine McCutchen was taught respect and to give more than she got. From that upbringing, she began a lifetime of volunteer work which has strengthened Franklin and Simpson County.

Katherine has been a member of the Franklin Simpson Hospital Board, the Simpson County Literacy Council, the Franklin Simpson Arts Council, the Simpson County Historical Society and the African American Heritage Center Board. She was a leader, often behind the scenes, in moving forward the integration of schools, civic clubs and churches in the community.

She was invited and joined the Franklin Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) and by doing so broke the color barrier that existed in the all white organization. As a member, she served as president, was named Woman of The Year and was later appointed to the Kentucky BPW Board.

Katherine helped raise money needed to fund a museum where the history of the African American community could be preserved for future generations, and also contributed to the writing of “Simpson County Families.”

A member of Center Baptist Church for 51 years, Katherine has been active as church clerk, Sunday School teacher and president of the Missionary Choir.

Throughout Katherine’s life she has been a mentor to young people and when asked why she didn’t just stop, she replied, “got to keep going for the young ones to follow.”