Katala A Williams

Dr. Katala A. Williams died Tuesday morning, January 10, 2024. She was born in 1929 to her late parents Roy B. Green and Argie A. Lee Green in Johnson County, Arkansas. She began piano lessons at an early age and was the regular pianist for Granades Chapel United Methodist Church in Franklin County, Arkansas by age 8. She attended Hartman High School and began her college career at age 15 at the University (at that time, College) of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. She married Clarence R. Williams in 1948. After living for two years in Norman, Oklahoma where Clarence received his master’s degree, the couple moved back to Arkansas where Katala briefly taught elementary school; established a notable career in private piano instruction; worked as an accomplished church organist; was a frequent accompanist for voice students and her husband’s choirs’ performances; and presented numerous solo and ensemble piano concerts. Dr. Williams was a faculty member of the University of the Ozarks, teaching music and English courses. She then moved with her family to Harrison, Arkansas, where she and Clarence developed and implemented federal programs for Harrison Public Schools. These federal programs put highly functioning programs, with trained teachers and resources, into school systems in multiple counties in North Arkansas: art and music; learning disabilities; and gifted and talented, in subsequent phases. She completed her master and doctoral degrees in music education at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Williams focused her efforts upon teacher training via workshops, supervision, and consultation of the teachers in all the school districts involved in the programming. The programs received acclaim, and the Williams oversaw the statewide dissemination of their programs throughout the state of Arkansas. Dr. Williams taught at Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She taught workshops at the University of Hawaii. She was a faithful member Granades Chapel United Methodist Church; a multi-year regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution; a two-year president of Zonta Club of Fort Smith; former member of Apollo Club of Harrison, Arkansas; National Guild of Piano Teachers; booked the subscription concerts for the Northwest Arkansas Concert Association of Harrison, AR; and was heavily involved in convincing legislators and power brokers to establish the North Arkansas College as the first community college in the area. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining family and friends, especially, along with Clarence, epic family Christmas Eve events for extended family and outdoor garden parties during Arkansas dogwood bloom. She loved genealogy, sports, bird watching, and travel. Above all, she was a beloved family member, friend, and teacher to many. She always knew just what to say to comfort or advise, and she was unparalleled in her positivity, unselfishness, patience, and wisdom. She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Clarence R. Williams and her sister Roiselle Green Grim. Survivors include her daughter Anitra Williams Fay and husband Edgar Fay; her son Russell G. Williams and wife Margaret Williams; her grandchildren Matthew W. Fay and wife Jessica Fay of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Marissa Williams Stillie and husband Bryan Stillie of Chula Vista, California, and Jessica Williams Adams and husband Stuart Adams of College Park, Maryland; four great-grandchildren Jonah, Julia, Emma, and Lincoln; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation service will be 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Shaffer Funeral Home, 2315 West Commercial Street in Ozark. Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark, with Reverend Regina Mason and Reverend Sam Wilcox officiating, with burial at Highland Cemetery, Highway 64 West in Ozark, under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be the Shaffer Staff. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Granades Chapel UMC c/o Lucy Sowell, 12627 Hwy 23 North, Ozark, AR 72949 or the Fort Smith Symphony https://fortsmithsymphony.org/how

Katala A Williams

September 27, 1929 - January 10, 2024