Katherine Michelle Williams

(July 30, 1968 – September 26, 2026)

Kathi was born in New Bern, North Carolina on July 30, 1968 to Kitty and David Hiles. Her early childhood was spent in North Carolina, New Jersey and Massachusetts; teen age and young adult years in Illinois and her college years in Michigan. She attended Michigan State University and the University of Detroit Mercy where she earned her Juris Doctor degree. Upon graduation, she married Rob Williams and worked as a lawyer for the UAW in Detroit until their move to New Jersey with his work. While there, their son, Declan, was born and Kathi became a joy-filled stay-at-home mom. With another relocation three years later, Kathi found herself in Georgia, working for the Brunswick News and thoroughly enjoying her new surroundings. A divorce and job change found her writing for Elegant Island Living and becoming a resident of St Simons Island.

Although she had lived in five other states, Kathi always considered St Simons Island her “true home.” She was passionate about the island and all it offered; as well as considered the residents some of the finest people she knew. Her love of music was reflected in her dedication to promoting local talent through her “I’m with the Band” blog; and her love of community through the many events she championed and attended. But her greatest love was her son, Declan, whose side she was often by at various venues on the island.

In addition to Declan, her mother, Kitty Hiles Ganzel, Greenville, SC, her brothers Geoff (Jeanette) Hiles, Greenville, SC and Bill (Colleen) Hiles, Winfield, IL, her uncle, Fred (Connie) Waibel, Clarksboro, NJ; aunt Carol (Bill) Crestwood, KY, cousins, nieces and nephews, the SSI community will miss her joyful spirit in their midst. Kathi was predeceased by her father, David Hiles, step-father, Joseph Ganzel, and Uncle Bill Waibel and his wife, Marilyn.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 23rd at Village Creek Landing, 526 S. Harrington Rd., St. Simons Island from 4 to 7 pm. To best honor Kathi hug a loved one, take a walk on the beach, sing and dance to good music, and live every day with a smile.