Obituary of Kathryn "Katie" W. Levi

Kathryn "Katie" W. Levi, widow of her beloved husband of 58 years, Dr. Wendell M. Levi, Jr., died peacefully at home on June 20, 2026, at the age of 90.

 

Mrs. Levi was a graduate of Abbot Academy in Andover, Massachusetts and Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts. After college, she taught history at Prospect Hill School in New Haven, Connecticut.  Not long after starting her teaching career, she was introduced to her future husband by a close college friend and cousin of Wendell “Wendy”. They married in her hometown of Frederick, Maryland, and then settled in Sumter, SC, where Wendy was born and raised.

 

Katie quickly involved herself in her new community.  In addition to being a loving wife and mother, she lived her life as an example to be followed, one of commitment to giving back to others. She was a Junior Welfare League President, and chaired the creation of ten playgrounds around Sumter, including the one at Swan Lake. She co-chaired the organization of the Library at Wilson Hall, served as their first Librarian and served on the Board of Trustees. Other positions she held included Chairman of the Sumter Housing Authority, President Sumter-Lee-Clarendon Medical Auxiliary, President Sunset Country Club Ladies Golf Association, Member South Carolina USGA Golf course Rating Committee, Chairman of the Board of Sumter County Gallery of Art, Co-Chair of the Sumter Gallery of Art Building Committee, Board Member Emeritus of Sumter Gallery of Art, and a Tutor with Adult Education.  Katie and Wendy were Charter Members of Les Trente and were also members of The Assembly.

 

Katie loved playing golf and painting, but her greatest joy was her family.  She adored her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

She is survived by her children, Kathryn L. Hoover (Michael) of Richmond, VA, London L. Andes (widow of Jerry M. Andes) of Marietta, GA and W. Mitchell Levi, III MD (Domini) of Sumter, SC. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Kathryn H. Goerold (David), Anna Hoover, Alex Andes Sessa, Sophia Levi and Mitch Levi and two step-grandchildren, David Andes (Dragana) and Laura Andes. She was blessed with seven beautiful great-grandchildren.

 

Burial will be private.  A reception for family and friends will be held at her home on Sunday, June 28^th from 2-4pm.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sumter County Gallery of Art, P.O. Box 1316, Sumter, SC 29151 or The Tuomey Foundation, 115 N. Sumter Street, Suite 420A, Sumter, SC 29150 (notate for Dr.& Mrs. Wendell M. Levi, Jr. Nursing Scholarship Endowment.)

 

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

 

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.