Katherine Diana Williams-Dunning

Katherine Diana Williams-Dunning was born in Nashville, TN to Hank and Mary Jane Williams, and resided in Paris. TN. Her early years were full of passion and curiosity, she loved tagging along with Daddy to the farm, riding the jet skis with her mama, and playing with her big sisters Hilary and Holly who loved having a little girl to dress up and play with. Her little brother Sam came along four years later, and she had a ball telling him what to do and how to do it. They loved bubble baths and four- wheeling together. Family was always the top priority for Katie, as she relished in summers, holidays and weekends filled with those nearest and dearest to her.

She is survived by her husband, Tyler Jay Dunning of Springville, TN; one daughter, Audrey Jane Dunning of Springville, TN; one son, Beau Weston Dunning of Springville, TN; parents, Hank & Mary Jane Williams of Buchanan, TN; father and mother-in-law, John & Holly Dunning of Greenfield, TN; grandparents, Bill & Ramona Thomas of Daytona Beach, FL; two sisters, Holly Williams of Nashville, TN, and Hilary Williams of Nashville, TN; and two brothers, Shelton Williams of Nashville, TN, and Sam Williams of Nashville, TN.  She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hank Williams, Sr., and Audrey Williams.

She loved visiting her mom's side of the family in Daytona Beach, FL and her Dad's side in Troy, AL. Katie went to Lakewood School, then Henry County High School and after that followed her passion to help others (which was always the most important thing on her list)! She went to school at West Kentucky Community Technical College, and became an occupational therapist working out of Jackson, TN. She brought smiles to so many folks who needed lifting up, both physically and emotionally. They all adored her!! Katie and Tyler originally met in 2007 on the jet skis at the lake, after many years of treasured memories together their baby boy Beau Weston (named after her brother Sam) was born in January of 2015. She was absolutely elated!!!! Motherhood was always her dream. Tyler and Katie married in October of 2015. They loved watching their boy grow together and they cultivated a home full of love and protection for him. Soon after baby girl Audrey Jane (named after her paternal grandmother and her mom) came along in September of 2018. Her children were the complete joy of her life, from Easter outfit planning, to potty training, to their ABC's, she was 100% devoted to creating the happiest possible childhood that she could create for them. She was the most loving and giving aunt to her nieces and nephews, always making sure their birthday and Christmas presents were in the mail on time no matter what.

She loved hunting and going to concerts with her "Daddio.”  “Katiebop” as her daddy referred to her, was always a daddy’s girl. He spent years teaching her about his love of the outdoors and how to perfect a turkey call. They were together almost every single day and their bond was as deeply meaningful to one as it was to the other. She also loved beach trips with her family, cooking with friends, playing basketball, modeling in pageants, making her house a home, spending time on the farm fishing and enjoying nature, being out in the open air on Kentucky Lake, and being a friend to so, so many who were drawn to her magnetic spirit. She began her clothing line Weston Jane in November of 2017, she loved being an entrepreneur just like her grandmother Audrey, who she often credited for giving her the drive to follow her heart and passions. The purpose of the line is to promote kindness, peace and positivity, while the entire line is designed and manufactured by moms. This small-town girl built herself quite a following online, and her family hopes to continue this clothing line in honor of her.

She began a relationship with Jesus when she was eight years old and that was her compass throughout her life. She believed in his truths, and she authentically lived his teachings-"Love your neighbor as yourself" was no problem for Katie, the fruits of the spirit like love, joy, kindness, faithfulness were no struggle for her to radiate every single day. She faced many, many struggles in her life, but always chose how she would respond as a Christian full of faith that light would come through the darkness, instead of shutting down. She never let her flame die no matter what she was going through, she would wake up each day full of love no matter the circumstance, strength from God, compassion for others, and hope for tomorrow.

Whenever anyone spent time with her, they left with a lighter spirit and a more joyful heart than before. She exuded warmth and love, with the biggest and most beautiful smile. One of her most precious life mottos was "Cultivate kindness". This was one of the top selling sweatshirts from her clothing line. The phrase is inspired by the following Bible verse in Proverbs 3:3-"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart."

Another motto she lived by was "Be Peace". This is something that starts inside of our own hearts and is a gift to those around us and she exemplified this constantly in her words and actions.

She had some incredible advice for her social media followers on March 5, 2020. Let's all listen to these words that she wanted to tell us and try to live by them every day.

"Be present because this life is not promised. I took years for granted and now I'm trying to soak up each and every precious moment good or bad. Give your loved ones your love and your kindness. This life is too short, and we all have so much to give."

Katie, the sweet memories will never fade. You blessed us all in so many ways...

A private family service was held.

Memorials may be made to Tomorrow’s Hope, 211 N. Brewer Street, Paris, TN 38242 or to Mother to Mother, Inc., at mothertomotherinc.org