NEGLEY, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Dr. Katelyn M. Williams, age 26, of Negley—our beloved daughter, granddaughter, fiancée and sister—passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as the result of a tragic auto accident on Rt. 170. Her sudden passing has left a heartbreak that words can hardly touch.

Beautiful in both spirit and smile, “Katie” was the second oldest child of Patrick “Rick” and Kelly McCauley Williams of Negley, Ohio. She graduated from Beaver Local, Class of 2017, where she was a friend to many, sang in the choir and was a member of the girls’ golf team. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology from Youngstown State University in 2021 and following in her mother’s footsteps, attended Northeast Ohio Medical University, graduating with her PharmD in 2025.

Katie was an extraordinary young woman—driven, compassionate and deeply faithful. She was nearly finished with her one-year pharmacy residency at Aultman Community Hospital in Alliance and had just signed a three-year contract to serve as a clinical pharmacist with One Health Ohio in Youngstown. Even with a full schedule, Katie poured herself into others: she sang with the Praise Team and taught Sunday School at Point of Mercy Sanctuary. Her voice was absolutely gorgeous and when she sang for the Lord, it could move you to tears. Katie also loved bringing people together, often arranging youth get-togethers at her parents’ home, or at church on an occasional Friday or Saturday night.

Katie was engaged to be married on June 27th to Dustin Lane of Wellsville. She loved him dearly and spent much of her spare time at his home making plans for their big day – dreaming, laughing and building a future together. Katie was the kind of person who made the world feel gentler. She was truly one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet. She rarely had a negative word to say about anyone and she seemed to find something good in every person she met.

In addition to her parents, Katie is lovingly remembered by her three siblings, Garrett Williams and his wife, Cassandra, of Boardman, Blake Williams,and Emmalee Williams, both at home. She is also survived by her grandmothers, Patricia Williams of Lisbon and Marjorie McCauley of Negley; as well as her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, who will miss her more than can be expressed.

Katie was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Gary McCauley and Gary Williams.

Friends may visit on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Dawson Funeral Home, where the family will be present from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Pastor Stephen Waddell of the church will conduct a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the funeral home, where friends may visit two hours prior to the service. Burial will be at Columbiana County Memorial Park.

Following the service, friends and family will gather at the Point of Mercy Sanctuary for fellowship.

Arrangements of comfort are being made by Dawson Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katelyn, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, April 28, at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.