Livia Erin Kavanaugh

Livia Erin Kavanaugh-Williams, a vibrant soul whose light touched the lives of many, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 47. Born on July 12, 1978, in Athens, Georgia, Erin was an embodiment of resilience and warmth, with a spirit that shone brightly in every endeavor she pursued.

A  graduate of Pacelli High School, Erin furthered her education at Wesleyan College, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design/Fine Arts in 2000. Her time there was marked not only by academic accomplishment but also by her involvement with the Wesleyan Equestrian Team, laying the foundation for her lifelong passion for equestrian sports.

As the founder and coach of SAGE Eventing, Erin created a welcoming space for equestrians in Columbus, fostering a love for the sport from 2010 to 2023. Her dedication to her craft was evident, and her efforts were recognized when she earned her foxhunting colors with the Midland Foxhunters in 2023. Erin approached life with a supportive and unwavering spirit, pulling everyone around her into her circle of kindness and acceptance.

In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Erin had a  passion for music. She became a pivotal figure in the local music scene, promoting an array of independent and regional acts in collaboration with the renowned venue, The Loft. Music was a source of joy, connection, and community that she cherished deeply.

Erin was also an accomplished artist, expressing her creativity through her work in portraits while touching the hearts of many with her beautiful creations. A natural talent for fashion and beauty complemented her artistic endeavors, but it was her kindness and approachability that truly defined her; she would light up a room with her infectious smile.

Throughout her life, Erin faced great challenges with dignity, courage and grace. Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma during her high school years and battling breast cancer since 2015, she endured and prevailed and lived with joy.  She was an inspiration to her family—her husband, Jonathan B. Williams, her children, Gavin E. Brown and Lauren O. Brown, her mother, Linda F. Kavanaugh, along with her father, Richard M. Kavanaugh, her brother, John B. Kavanaugh, and her uncle, William M. Fadul.

Erin's proudest accomplishments were her children, Gavin and Lauren, whom she raised to be independent, respectful and loving. Her legacy will live on through the lives she has touched, the many friendships she formed, and the countless memories she created with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

As we bid farewell to Erin, we celebrate a life that was widely admired , filled with laughter, tenacity, and most importantly, love. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered as a guiding light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

A service for Erin will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Columbus, GA on Tuesday November 4th from 10am to 12pm.