Heather Downs Williamson

Heather Downs Williamson passed away on November 6, 2024 at the tender age of 55. She was in California for cancer treatment when, in her weakened state, she succumbed to the disease after a three year fight. Known for her many circles of friends, Heather was a huge bundle of love who invested heavily in her relationships. Whether it was with family and friends, church groups, her Kappa sisters, or professional mentoring, Heather spread her infectious smile and joy to anyone who would accept it. Born in Merriam, Kansas on St. Patrick’s Day, 1969, Heather was a quiet child who spent much of her time reading. She began to blossom at DeSoto High School where she participated in forensics, theatre, tennis, and editing the school yearbook. She won awards for journalism and continued honing her writing and public speaking skills. At Kansas State, Heather joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority which set her on a life course for success, earning a B.S. Secondary Education in English and then teaching for two years. Her professional growth saw her using her talents in marketing to grow business at The Ruckus Group, Two Men and Truck, Faction, Walz Tetrick, Premier Studios, Sisterhood Magazine, Barkley, GEAR For Sports, and Bernstein-Rein Advertising. Heather was also heavily involved in women’s ministries at Heartland Community Church. Whether leading groups or co-leading capital campaigns, Heather always made herself available to those in need. In 2018 Heather left Kansas City to pursue a job opportunity in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There she met Matt Williamson with whom she began a torrid love affair, culminating in marriage in 2023. In 2021, after concern about a persisting cough, Heather was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. This unfortunate turn of events might have slowed down most people but Heather beat the odds and continued to live the life she always had; traveling, growing her career, investing in family and friends, and getting married. Heather is survived by mother Judy Bross, brother Michael (Mandy) Downs, and father Mike (Genny) Downs, husband Matt Williamson, step sons Andrew and James Williamson, and dog Bogie. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who supported her throughout her life. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Augustine of Hippo Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2530 S. Howell Avenue) from 12:00 noon until the time of the celebration of Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 PM. A dinner will immediately follow the funeral mass at The Pulaski Inn in Cudahy at 3pm. A Memorial Service in Kansas City will be scheduled for January 18, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 PM with a reception to follow. It will be held at Jacob’s Well, located at 1617 W. 42nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Memorial gifts can be donated to Heather’s Cancer Journey: https://gofund.me/ff8dd8c0 Or at the Lung Cancer Research Foundation: https://give.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/give/496849/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=lcam2024