Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Williams of Atlanta, Georgia and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina, following a brief and courageous battle with lung cancer. Kathy was born on July 8, 1947, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Paul Franklin Efird and Kathryn Lucille (Hughes) Efird.

She was raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Reidsville, North Carolina, and graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a degree in Education. After graduation, Kathy moved to Atlanta, where she pursued a career in banking. By pure chance, she met the love of her life, Alec Williams, in the fall of 1970. They were married on June 19, 1971, and shared 55 years of love, laughter, and joy—a marriage truly made in Heaven.

During Alec’s naval service, they lived in Charleston, South Carolina, New London, Connecticut, and beautiful Sardinia, Italy. In 1973, they settled in Atlanta, where Kathy later became a branch manager for Savings and Loan.

Together, Kathy and Alec raised two fine and loving sons, Jeffrey Matthew “Matt” Williams and Stephen Alexander Williams. Both sons went on to successful careers and happy marriages, and Kathy and Alec were blessed with seven grandchildren.

In later years, Kathy managed the Peachtree Presbyterian Bookstore for 18 years, a role that reflected her love of people, books, and community. She was also an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs, where she formed many close and lasting friendships.

Following Alec’s retirement from real estate in 2025, Kathy and Alec moved to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where they enjoyed a more relaxed lifestyle surrounded by family, friends, and the beauty of the beach.

Kathy will always be remembered for her charismatic personality, fun-loving and nurturing nature, selflessness, and sincere interest in others. She possessed a rare combination of beauty, grace, class, and impeccable taste. Most of all, she will be remembered for her radiant, golden smile—a smile that reflected the warmth and joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Alec Williams of Pawleys Island, South Carolina; her sons, Matt (Kim) Williams of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and Stephen (Krista) Williams of Atlanta, Georgia; and her seven grandchildren, Campbell, Sarah Grace, Isabella, Kathryn, Parker, Woods, and Gracie. She is also survived by her siblings, John Efird of Atlanta, Georgia; Paul (Stephanie) Efird of Knoxville, Tennessee; Jane Downs of Georgetown, South Carolina; and her sister-in-law, Dede Williams of Frankfurt, Germany.

Kathy leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion to family, enduring friendships, and a lifetime of bringing beauty and joy to those around her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements are in the care of the Maryville Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home, 2200 S. Fraser St., 843-546-4184.