Catherine “Kitty” Williams Ford

Catherine “Kitty” Williams Ford, 91, of Columbia, SC, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Kitty was born on New Years Day 1934 in Johnston, SC to James and Azilee Williams. She attended Batesburg-Leesville High School and Newberry College. Kitty’s career included positions in the nuclear industry, various government and non-profit agencies, and public education.

A defining feature of Kitty’s life was her walk with the Lord. Raised in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Johnston, SC, Kitty became a member of the Episcopal Church in the 1950s. Over the years she served faithfully in various capacities including as a member of the Daughters of the King, vestry member, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Stephen’s Minister, Sunday School teacher, and altar guild. For decades, if the church doors were open you’d be sure to find Kitty within.

Kitty’s faith naturally overflowed into a heart for service that was vast and seemingly endless. Kitty served in her church’s Hot Dog Ministry to the homeless and frequently went out of her way to pick up those without transportation to bring them to church. She served her community through teaching shorthand and secretarial skills to underserved students, visiting nursing home residents, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Reach to Recovery, and mentoring incarcerated young men through the Blazers and Epiphany programs at DJJ.

Kitty was often heard to say “I love people.” She cherished her many friendships and was known for opening her home to all. Even just weeks before her passing, she continued to host a few friends for a study group. Friends weren’t Kitty’s only house guests. Growing up, her 3 grandchildren were frequent visitors, gleefully soaking up the attention, love, and magic she poured out on them.

Kitty is survived by son Neal (Jan) Clamp, daughter Karey (Kenneth) Holcomb, grandchildren Karey (Brian) Dewing [Blain, Sophia, Vera Cate, Caroline], Amanda Claytor, and O’Neal (Rachel) Clamp [Simon, Rory], sister Frances “Frankie” Prater, and many great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Barney Allen Ford, son Kennerly “Ken” Clamp, and many other loving relatives.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 15 at the Episcopal Church of St. Simon and St. Jude in Irmo, SC.

Donations may be made to the Episcopal Church of St. Simon and St. Jude, 1110 Kinley Rd., Irmo, SC 29063.