Katrina Meeks (middle) pictured with her two daughters.
Katrina Anne Meeks, 40, of Purcellville, Virginia, perished on Monday, June 6, 2016 in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. What was to be a fun kayaking and tubing trip with her two daughters, brother, and nephew became a tragic freak accident in the Shenandoah River.
Meeks was born March 4, 1976 in Rockledge, Florida; the daughter of Thomas J. and Barbara A. Gillick. She is survived by her spouse Chris and three children, Patrick C. Gillick and his wife, Kendra of Lancaster, PA and Jessika C. Meeks and Lakota N. Meeks of Purcellville, VA. She is also survived by her two brothers, C. Duane McCormick and wife Catherine of Front Royal, VA and Joseph T. Gillick of Stephens City, VA, four sisters, Stacey L. Dolan and husband Robert of Middletown, VA, Erin F. Elliott of Stephens City, VA, Megan E. Drasin and husband Joseph of Columbia, MD and Tara M. Simms and fiancé Leon D. Berry of Winchester, VA, as well two grandchildren, five nieces and eight nephews.
Meeks was an avid volunteer and member of the Imperial Court of Washington, D.C., where she currently held the line title of Baroness, and leaves behind a host of drag family and friends. She was the current reigning Miss Gay United States Commonwealth of VA Femme Fatale and former Miss Capital Leather 2009.
“No matter what mood you were in, how badly she may have been hurting that day, or how bad your day was, her smile could not only light up the room, but more importantly light up your heart.”
Meeks poses with her fellow Mr. Capital Pride Leather 2009 and friend. (Photo: urbanbohemian/flickr)
She was enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. She obtained her cosmetology license in 2014 and was a Veteran of the United States Army.
Meeks married Chris Ruth January 18, 2013 in Frederick County, Maryland. They resided in Purcellville VA with their two daughters, as well as her drag family Connie Emery-Walker (CiTooker-Bottoms), Angel McWilliams (Xavier Bottoms), Cole Walker, MJ Simpson and Steven Calloway.
“This giant house feels so empty without her beautiful spirit warming it from within. Though we all may not have been blood, we are now, and have always been a real family,” says Emery-Walker.
“I never knew what love was until I met you, and it will always only be you.”
Inurnment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, for now she is at home with her family, safe, happy and loved. There is currently a crowdfunding page raising money to “help her family recover the cost of her death expenses and help them get back on their feet, ensuring that her husband and two teenage daughters have some sort of assistance.” You can donate by clicking here.
“Bottoms Up Baby Girl! I love you, always.”
Save
Save
Save
