Kathy Ham Killian

Kathy Darlene Ham Killian, 65, was welcomed home into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after a courageous seven-year battle with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Born on January 3, 1960, at Darlington County Hospital, Kathy was the daughter of the late William Leroy and Emmie Amerson Ham and was raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Kathy graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1976.

Each time Kathy went for treatment at SC Oncology, she brought multiple baskets of treats for staff and patients. She saw a need and felt called to give back in a meaningful way. She made many friends there, and I want to thank everyone at SCOA for their compassionate care—especially Dr. Jill Sullivan, who treated Kathy with such kindness and grace. Kathy was also blessed to have Dr. Sarah Sammons (Duke & Dana-Farber) overseeing her care early in her journey, providing specialized and heartfelt support.

Kathy was beautiful inside and out. She loved deeply and was loved deeply in return. Her love language was touch—hugs, kisses, and a gentle hand on your face. Kathy had a way of making you feel as though you were the only person in the world when you were with her. She touched everyone she met in a positive way.

Kathy was a Master Barber Stylist who was deeply devoted to her clients. Over the years, she was blessed with several lifelong clients whose faithfulness and loyalty followed her through the various salons where she worked in Irmo (one of which she was a salon owner for several years) and even to her home salon in Blythewood. Her many loyal clients knew what a blessing it was to sit in her chair and share conversation and laughter while she worked her magic.

Her “happy place” was Destin, Florida, where she visited the sugar-white sands, blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets many times with family over the past seven years.

Those left to cherish the memories of this remarkable woman who was the heart of her blended family include her Husband and Best Friend of 25 years, Keith Killian; three daughters, who gave her the beloved role of Mother; Kristilee Newton (Eric), Katie Smoak (Rob), Lauren Killian (Isa Fernandes) , the five grandchildren who made her “Mimi” and held a very special place in her heart; Lee, Hayes, Ford, Ruthie, Summer; two sisters, Sylvia Osborne and Bobbie Storey (Rick); and her three adored furbabies, Ellie, Sophie, and Callie. One of Kathy’s superpowers was her ability to coordinate everyone’s schedules and bring us all together for family and holiday gatherings.

A couple of Kathy’s favorite Bible verses were:

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

He gave her the strength to endure the most difficult circumstances and challenges she faced.

Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Her good works were the fruit of genuine faith in Christ, not a prerequisite for salvation.

Words cannot express how much we will miss her. Yet we rejoice in knowing she is now healed and in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Kathy loved us in a Christ-like way, and now she is cradled in God’s loving arms.

Kathy also dearly loved Crossroads Community Church, 2723 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210, where her memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 1, 2025. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Kathy's Snack Ministry at SCOA. https://gofund.me/6040fd706