Katharine Draper Haimbaugh

COLUMBIA - Katharine Draper Haimbaugh died on Friday, May 21, 2021 after a short illness. She was born and raised in Scarsdale, New York, the daughter of Katharine Baum Draper and William Henry Draper Jr. In 1944 she graduated cum laude from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. She then pursued a career in Human Resources until her marriage in 1960 to George Dow Haimbaugh, Professor of Law at the University of South Carolina. In Columbia, Kay became involved in the community, serving as chairman of the Richland County Library Board and President of the Historic Columbia Foundation. Her greatest joy was her work with the church, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia. She served as President of the Women of the Church and on the Boards of the Laurel Crest Retirement Community and the First Presbyterian Christian Counseling Center. She also was given an Honorary Life Membership by the women of the church.

But Kay’s most rewarding service for the church was when she and her husband co-chaired the Bicentennial Events Committee, celebrating First Presbyterian Church’s 200th birthday.

Mrs. Haimbaugh enjoyed her memberships in many clubs including The Thursday study Club and the Book Club. Prior to her death, she lived at the Still Hopes Retirement Community where she served on the Resident Council, the Art Committee and the Library Committee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. George Haimbaugh, her sister, Dorothy Draper Hawkins, and nephew, Lawrence Hawkins (Kris), and is survived by her brother, William H. Draper III, her nieces, Katharine Hein (Steven), Dorothy Keller (Richard), Becky Draper, and Polly Draper (Michael), Elizabeth Tyler Miskelly (Michael), and her nephew Timothy Draper (Melissa), and their families. She will be greatly missed by all of them, as she was so loved by all for her sense of humor, her generosity, her love and loyalty of family and friends.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. A private burial service will be in Elmwood Cemetery followed by a 3:00 p.m. memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC, on Wednesday May 26, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Columbia or a charity of your choice.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com