Kathleen “Cat” Graham Williamson

Kathleen “Cat” Graham Williamson, beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend, of Birmingham, Alabama was surrounded by her family when she went to be with the Lord on April 16, 2024.  She was born on September 21, 1957 in Philipsburg, Montana to James and Nellie Graham.  Kathleen was the oldest of eight children.  She attended and graduated from Shelby County High School in 1976.  She began her career at Alabama Power and started life with her first husband, Tom Johnstone.  She became a mother with the birth of their first daughter, Kim, in 1980 and they later welcomed their second daughter, Kaitlan, in 1989.  Although her first marriage ended, they remained a family throughout the years.  With bravery, dedication, and resilience throughout the transitions of her life, Kathleen continued working in several different industries during her lifetime, always spreading joy and shining her bright light in every space.  In 2007, Kathleen married her second husband, John Williamson, and they spent sixteen wonderful years together.  She was a member at Briarwood Presbyterian Church for many years and later attended The Church at Brook Hills.

Led by her faith in God and her heart for others, Kathleen’s life’s work was about service and spreading love.  Whether it was a home-cooked meal or a heartfelt letter, she was intentional about showing up for her family and community and embodying her role as a faithful servant of the Lord until the very end.  Her steadfast faith, joyful nature, and loving spirit will be remembered and cherished. She is preceded in death by her husband, John Williamson, her mother, Nellie McNeal, her step-father, Leon McNeal, and her brothers, Dale Graham, and Alfred Graham. She is survived by her former husband, Tom Johnstone, her children Kim Anderson (David) and Kaitlan Stephens (Paden), her father, James Graham, her brothers, James Graham, Terry Graham, and Leon McNeal (Keisha), her sister, Stacey McNeal and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  The family will receive friends on Monday, April 22 at 9 am for visitation with a Celebration of Kathleen’s life to follow at 10 am at Charter Funeral Home in Calera with Pastor Mack Ritch officiating. A private graveside service will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Harpersville, Alabama.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in honor of Kathleen Williamson to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate, or through the mail at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.