Katherine Bauer

Katherine Bauer, 89, of Hopkins, South Carolina, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Monday, January 12, 2026. Known for her joyful spirit, unwavering kindness, and deep, abiding faith in God, Katherine touched countless lives with her warmth and gentle strength.

Born on July 26, 1936, in Cassatt, South Carolina, to the late James Edward Poston and Edna Tidwell Poston, Katherine grew up with a strong sense of family and community that shaped her throughout her life. She was blessed with two loving marriages: first to her late husband, Emile H. LaCroix, with whom she shared 25 years, and later to her late husband, Henry Bauer, with whom she also shared 25 cherished years.

Katherine dedicated many years of her career to Baptist Hospital (now Prisma Health Baptist), where she served with compassion and dedication. Her caring nature left a lasting impression on patients, coworkers, and all who knew her, as she brought comfort and light even in difficult moments.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Gail Harms; her cherished grandsons, Daniel (Olivia) Harms, Austin (Amanda) Harms, and Addison (Chelsea) Harms; niece, Deborah Brown, eight beloved great-grandchildren, Faith, Joy, Parker, Skylar, Colter, Tyler Grayson and Danielle who were the light of her life and the continuation of her legacy of love and faith. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Poston Clay.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her dedicated caregivers—Mae White, Gail Guild, Gregory Brooks—and to the compassionate staff of Heart of Hospice, whose tireless support and kindness during her final days brought comfort to Katherine and her loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29205. Pastor Ken Addison will officiate the service. The family will receive friends for viewing from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. A short graveside service will follow at the historic Quaker Cemetery in Camden, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are respectfully requested to the Alzheimer’s Association (http://alz.org), in memory of Katherine, to support vital research, care, and services for those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.