Katrina Williams

Katrina Sykes Williams, 90, of Hot Springs passed away on Wednesday January 14, 2015. She was born on February 7, 1924, in Richmond, Arkansas to Kitty Lewis Sykes and Henry A. Sykes. She graduated from Dierks High School in 1941.

She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Henry A. Sykes, sister Amelia R. Steelman, husbands Milton R. Simington and James H. Williams, and granddaughter Katrina (Kitty) Connell.

She is survived by daughters Katrina (Roy) Brown and Elizabeth R. Williams and son James H. Williams, III, grandsons Robert J. Connell, Jr., Jacob S. Williams, Pierce B. Williams, Garrett Williams and James H Williams, IV, great grandchildren Ashley M. and C. Hunter Connell, great great grandchildren Riley G. and C. Nash Connell, Bentley Widener, and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friend and confidant, Marie Woodfork.

After graduating from high school, she married professional football player Milton. The couple moved to Ohio, where Katrina planned to study at a musical Institute in Cleveland. Milton was transferred to the Pittsburgh Steelers and within a few months, unfortunately, he passed away, leaving Katrina widowed and with child. She returned to Ashdown to be with family, and gave birth to her daughter, Katrina.

In 1946, Katrina married World War II veteran James, from Ashdown. The new Williams family moved to Texarkana, Texas, where she played piano for a dancing school and taught dancing. They moved to Hot Springs in 1952. She gave birth to James in 1953.

She began studying music at Henderson State University in 1959. After 8 years and the birth of another daughter, Elizabeth, she had attained both a bachelors and Masters degree in music education.

Katrina had a 25 year tenure as organist and choir director at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Additionally, for over 40 years, she was the organist for the Congressional House of Israel. She also studied with former Metropolitan opera star and friend Marjorie Lawrence, for many years.

A cherished mother and wife, beloved by generations of students, Katrina proudly declared her life as a musician, vocalist, organist, pianist and teacher as: "The most wonderful time in all the world. I hope my life has given my family and all of the people I've taught the love of music."

The funeral will be 2:00 pm on Monday, January 19, 2015, at Christ Anglican Church,

504 Trivista Left St, Hot Springs, AR 71901

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Arkansas Hospice

Christ Anglican Church in Hot Springs

Arkansas Children's Hospital

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many people of Arkansas Hospice for their care and concern for our mother during these last two years. Without you, we could not have made it.