Noted social worker, civic leader dies

GAINESVILLE - A Gainesville woman noted for her social work and civic involvement in northeast Georgia, Katherine Williams, has died.

Williams, who was 100, died Wednesday.

Williams earned a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University in New York after graduating from the University of Georgia where she major in English and history. She taught returning GIs after World War II through the University of Georgia extension program, taught history at Brenau University, and was assistant professor of social work at the University of Georgia, supervising graduate student placements in Gainesville.

Williams pioneered the concept of a learning service center. As a social worker she developed patient care programs for hospitals and nursing homes in northeast Georgia.

She taught Sunday school and Disciple classes at First Methodist Church, served as president of the United Methodist Women, was a kindergarten teacher, a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Junior League, Gainesville Garden Club, and Progressive Arts Club. Williams served on the board of the Quinlan Arts Center, writing the grant for the first paid director.

She was actively involved with the Georgia Mountain Museum and supported the Northeast Georgia History Center and Elachee Nature center. She worked with the mental health association, the juvenile court and child guidance clinic. In 1967 Williams was the recognized by the Gainesville Rotary Club as Woman of the Year and in 2004 she was recognized by the Girl Scouts as a Woman of Distinction.

The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, September 9, from 2:00-4:00 at Memorial Park Funeral Home North Chapel in Gainesville. A private graveside service will be held in Demorest, where Williams was born.

(A full obituary can be found on the AccessNorthGa.com Obituaries Page.)