Catharine Williams

1970 - 2025

Catharine Williams

July 24, 1970 - November 22, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Catharine Anne Williams, 55, of Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 22, 2025, at Atrium Hospice. Born on July 24, 1970, Cat graduated from NYU with a BFA in Film & Television in 1992. She was an NYU Trustee's Scholar, Founder Day's Scholar and, while at Hollins College, an NC Scholar. She was a lifelong artist, writer, and staunch disability activist. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, her resilience helped her overcome many obstacles to continually create art, including metal smithing, kiln fired enamel vessels, jewelry, fabric arts, photography, and, most recently, 3D printing. In her 30s, she created Dizzy Cat Design to make dazzling purses, clothes, and jewelry. She was never afraid to speak up to advocate for equal rights for everyone and she bravely shared her story online and with state representatives to fight for disability rights. She loved spoiling her dogs (Lucy, Maddi, and Olive), being a fabulous aunt, and giving back to the community.

Cat is survived by her mother, Louise Crumbley Williams, her father, Philip (Jill) Williams Jr., her brother, Philip (Amy) Williams III, her nieces and nephews, Kipp, Alex, and Isabel Williams, her aunt, Jo Claire Dulin, and wonderful friends, Nancy, Jen, and Maggie.

To honor Cat's wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, Cat requested donations to the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (www.arrowmont.org), which was the place of many happy memories and art techniques she learned.