Nila Kathryn Livingston
Nila Kathryn Rainer Livingston, went to her heavenly home on June 4, 2024, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on August 7, 1941, in Newton, Mississippi.
In 1959, she graduated from Newton High School where she was an honor student, played in the band and was Homecoming Queen her Senior year. She maintained a life-long close bond of love with her parents Olen and Elna, as well as a joyful and loving friendship with her two siblings, Jerry and Joyce.
She attended East Central Jr College, Decatur, MS, where she met her life-long love and partner, Ronnie Keith Livingston. They both graduated in 1961 and were married in October that same year.
After her sons were born, she was a stay-at-home Mom. In 1975, after the children were in school, she returned to college and graduated with honors from Belhaven College, Jackson, MS with a BS degree in accounting. She became a CPA in 1981. As a CPA, she worked for an accounting firm in Fairfax, VA for several years. In 1991, she was hired by Prison Fellowship International to install their accounting system. In that assignment she had the opportunity to travel to several foreign countries, including Switzerland, Peru, Bulgaria and Zimbabwe. When Kathy retired in 2006, she held the position of Vice President and Controller of Prison Fellowship Ministries in Leesburg, Virginia. As a devout Christian, the opportunity to work for Prison Fellowship was the fulfillment of her desire to help others and be a witness for Christ.
She was a founding Board Member of CrossLink International, a Christian charity, in Falls Church, Virginia, that provided free medical supplies and equipment to underdeveloped countries. She served as Recording Secretary of the Board for many years.
Kathy loved life and lived a Christian example for her children. She enjoyed music and was a faithful choir member. She loved and
cherished her family and was especially proud of the accomplishments of her sons, Lee and Steve.
Even though Alzheimer’s gradually diminished her ability to speak, she held fast to the phrases: “Thank You”, “I’m Sorry” and “I Love You,” reflecting her gentle and kind spirit that never left her. When she was no longer able to remember you, she always had her wonderful, sweet smile for you.
She is survived by her husband, Keith; two sons, Lee and Steve, Steve’s wife, Claudia Cecilia Gradiz Canales, her three grandchildren, Annalise, Daniel, and Emanuel, her brother, Jerry, and sister-in-law, Bitsy of Madison, Alabama, as well as three nieces and two nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Olen and Elna Rainer and her sister Joyce Clark and nephew David Clark.
Her husband, Keith, for more than 62 years, said Kathy was his love, joy and partner and that God abundantly blessed their marriage and life together.
Donations in her memory may be made to Spring Hill Baptist Church in Ruckersville, Virginia or Prison Fellowship Ministries at www.pfm.org or mail to Prison Fellowship Ministries, P O Box 1550, Merrifield, VA 22116.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Spring Hill Baptist church with a public viewing beginning at 10:00am, Saturday, June 8, 2024. This will be followed by the service beginning at 11:00am, with the burial to follow and fellowship after the burial in Spring Hill Baptist Church fellowship hall.
