Katie was born September 22, 1980 in Springdale, AR to Watson and Dana Reed Villines. She was a delight and did her parents proud till the last second of her life.
Katie is survived by her loving husband; Jared, precious son; Luke, mother; Dana Villines, sister; Amanda (Brad) Cowger, brother-in-law; Seth (Jamie) Thomas, sister-in-law; Alissa (Vada) Harrell. Her beloved parents-in-law; Mark and Sharon Thomas. Niece and namesake; Julie Kate Cowger, nephews; Samuel Watson Cowger, Gabe Thomas, Aidan Thomas, grandmothers; Shirley Reed and LouEtta Villines, aunts; Pam (Chuck) Billings and Sherrye McBryde, uncle; Eddie Reed, cousins; Carol Jo (Scooter) Talley, John McBryde, James McBryde, Chaney McBryde, Michael McBryde, and Emily Reed. Katie's father; Watson Villines preceded her in death as did her grandfathers; Merle Villines and Dwaine Reed. Her beloved aunt Julie Reed also precedes her.
Katie graduated from Conway High School in 1998 where she was a cheerleader and played clarinet in the band. She graduated the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2003. She then obtained her Master's Degree from Harding University.
Katie was forever indebted to Conway Public Schools for her fine K-12 education and for allowing her to teach her first year as an educator at Theodore Jones Elementary. She taught one year in Springdale Public Schools before joining Bryant Public Schools in 2005. Katie has been the principal at Collegeville Elementary for the past eight years. She loved and cherished all the faculty, staff, students, and parents.
Our family was blessed when Katie and Jared married in 2005. Their son, Luke, was born in 2008. Katie loved being with them more than anything. She always said Jared gave her comfort and Luke gave her strength.
From age eleven, Katie suffered greatly with migraines. She would want us to thank the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, especially Dr. George Urban and her home physician Dr. Jerry Cavaneau. Her life was unexpectedly cut short by a massive heart attack while relaxing at home with her family. Her heroic husband Jared and son Luke rushed her to Saline Memorial Hospital. The emergency room staff and Dr. Jeffrey Stewart were relentless in trying to save her life. They labored all night as we prayed. We cannot thank them enough for their skill, dedication, and kindness.
We love you forever Katie!
