Kathi W (Woodliff) Rhodes

Kathi Woodliff Rhodes, mother, grandmother, wife, sister, teacher, real estate agent, friend, and humanitarian, departed this life on February 5, 2026.

Kathi was born in Gadsden, Alabama in November 1950 but the family soon moved to Santa Barbara, California where she spent her formative years beginning in elementary school. Although her new nickname “y’all” was perhaps intimidating for a child, it provided the family with much laughter for many years while considering such culture shock. Ironically, she loved the Beach Boys and became the quintessential California girl. Kathi returned to the south to attend her mother’s alma mater, Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia. She later earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Georgia affording many years of non-monetary, kitchen specific sports wagering with her Georgia Tech husband until he grew weary of loading and emptying the dishwasher.

She began her teaching career leading the two-year old nursery school at the Cathedral of St. Philip where she was fondly called “Miss Kathi” as she nurtured so many little ones. Her principal occupation was real estate, associated with the Harry Norman organization and later as a founding member of Home Luxury Real Estate. Kathi took great pride in assisting people of all situations find and purchase their own perfect place while acquiring skills in finance, contractual language, therapy, and psychology along the way! She absolutely treasured assisting others be it real estate, friendships or acquaintances. Kathi was relentless in illustrating the Gospel of Matthew, “He came to serve and not be served.”

A committed loving and compassionate Christian, Kathi demonstrated her faith in service to others and to her community. She was a long-standing member of the Junior League of Atlanta, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, and the High Museum of Art where she was active in Young Careers and served as both President of the Peachtree Arts Guild and President of Members Guild. The latter presented her with the unique opportunity to host her wedding reception in the atrium of the High Museum. It was as magical as she was.

Kathi also volunteered as a member of the Altar Guild at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, and she was a passionate advocate for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Most every year for a decade, Kathi journeyed to Xiamen, China accompanied by her husband and other volunteers to operate an orphanage so the regular staff might receive some well-deserved rest with their family and friends. In other words, she dedicated her vacation time so strangers might experience a vacation. In this capacity, she provided a measure of love and affection to parentless, critical care infants as well as medical care in administering feeding tubes, complex formulas, exercise and clothing. She adored dressing and rocking babies, sometimes in the final moments of their brief life. Returning to the Gospel of Matthew, Christ said “that what you do to the least of these you do for me.” Indeed, these small ones might be considered “the least” and she cherished the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus amidst her tender care. More recently, she volunteered at Buckhead Church on Sunday mornings teaching Special Needs kids in her typical manner of love and grace. Kathi was an extremely rare and beautiful person brightening any room just by entering it. She leaves behind an enormous community of family and friends who reconcile our profound grief knowing she is wrapped in her Savoir’s arms. Well done thy good and faithful servant Kathi.

She was predeceased by her parents, Guy Woodliff III and Thea Woodliff of Gadsden, Alabama.

Kathi is survived by her daughter Heather Pierce Sontag, her son, Parker Pierce, her brother Guy Woodliff IV, her husband, Tom, grandchildren, Jacob, Ella, Rosemary and Jedediah and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. The sense of loss borne by family and friends is tempered by our many pleasant memories of this wonderful and giving lady who was such a measurable positive influence in any life she touched.

A homegoing service will be held on March 26, 2026, 11:00am in the majestic sanctuary of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Atlanta.


Scott Huskins Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements. 678.771.5566 | scotthuskins.com

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