Kathryn Howell Willard

September 6, 2019 Mrs. Kathryn Howell "Kat" Willard, age 98, of E. South St., Union, widow of H.H. Willard, Jr. passed away Friday, September 6, 2019 at Ellen Sagar Nursing Home. Mrs. Willard was born in Newberry, January 15, 1921, a daughter of the late William and Bertha Palmer Howell. She was a retired nurse having worked in the office of Dr. F.P. Owings for 54 years. In honor of Mrs. Willard's service, Dr. Owings established a scholarship, the Kathryn H. Willard Nursing Scholarship Fund, through USC-Union to assist students who want to pursue a career in nursing. Mrs. Willard was faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church where she was a member of the David Clyburn Sunday School class and was a founding member of the Louise Willard Guild. She was active with the Kindergarten Sunday School class having received recognition for 47 years of service. Mrs. Willard was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She is survived by four nieces, Caroline Bradley Smith and husband Dr. Larry H. Smith, Tate Bradley Majette and husband Rev. Dr. L. Dean Majette, Kathy Kirby Jobe and husband John and Claudia Howell Belue; five nephews, William Michael Kirby, Dr. Christopher Kirby and wife Audrianna, Ezell Willard and wife Ann, Eugene Willard and wife Sherry and James Patrick Littlejohn. She is also survived by a number of great-nieces and great-nephews. Mrs. Willard was predeceased by a sister, Laura H. Kirby; a brother, William M. Howell; a niece, Deborah H. Littlejohn and a nephew, Lynn Kirby. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Grace United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. David Bauknight and Rev. Dr. L. Dean Majette. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be John F. Majette, Patrick M. Littlejohn, William Jeter, Roger Gregory, Norris Fowler, Graham Fox and Dennis Belue. The family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall following the services. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 201 S. Church St., Union, SC 29379 or to the Kathryn H. Willard Nursing Scholarship Fund, Attn: Business Office - USC-Union, P.O. Box 729, Union, SC 29379. The family will be at the home on E. South St., Union.