Catalina Elizabeth Smith

Catalina (Katie) Elizabeth Santa Maria Smith, 92, died on October 23, 2025, in Evans, GA.

Katie was born in Los Angeles, CA, on June 4, 1933, to parents who had immigrated from Mexico. She graduated from Belmont High School, where she lettered in tennis, was co-captain of the basketball team, and was active in musical performances, including singing duets with her classmate Odetta Felious, later well known as the singer and civil rights activist Odetta. She also worked as an usherette at Hollywood premieres.

Katie worked as a clerk for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles, New York City, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was recognized by FBI director J. Edgar Hoover for spotting one of the FBI’s ten most wanted fugitives at a New York City drug store, leading to the suspect’s apprehension.

In 1958, Katie was married to Kulman B. Smith (LTC, US Army). The family lived in locations including Savannah, GA, Columbus, GA, Charleston, SC, Georgetown, SC, Charlotte, NC, Fayetteville, NC, Lexington, KY, Fort Sheridan, IL, and Okinawa, Japan. Colonel Smith died in 2006. More recently, Katie lived in Osprey, FL, and Evans.

She is survived by her daughter Kelley Hunter and son-in-law Keith Hunter of Evans; daughter Karen Smith Halperin and son-in-law David Halperin of Washington, DC; granddaughter Chloe Maravich of Philadelphia, PA; granddaughter Brenda Waters (Don) of Appling, GA; and great granddaughters Brittney Tucker (Tyler) and Ashley Hicks (Kyle) and great great grandson Mason Tucker, all of Evans. She was preceded in death by her husband and by her son Kulman P. Smith, who died in 2018.

Katie’s love and devotion to her family, sharp wit, love of stories and songs, beautiful style, and infectious smile will be greatly missed.

“Un alma hermosa nunca se olvida.” A beautiful soul is never forgotten.

A celebration of Katie's life will be held on November 8, 2025, at Platt's Funeral Home, 337 North Belair Road, Evans, Georgia. The service will begin at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Katie’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.