Kathleen Margaret Howard, age 67, passed away on Saturday, June 07, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, SC leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in the equestrian world.

A lifelong horsewoman, Kathi dedicated her career to training, instruction, and judging. She was a Large R Judge for the United States Equestrian Federation, specializing in Hunter Jumper disciplines, and was involved with Pony Club education and development. Her passion extended to Welsh pony breeding, where she combined knowledge and commitment to help preserve and promote the breed.

Kathi was also a determined businesswoman who owned and operated several equestrian centers over the years under Kathi Fillmore, including Cinnamon Oaks Equestrian Center in Nokesville, Virginia, Cinnamon Ridge Equestrian Center in Amissville, Virginia, and Wachesaw Equestrian Center in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

Through these ventures, she provided training, boarding, and opportunities for riders and horse lovers to learn and grow. She also generously hosted equestrian charity events supporting Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center and St. Jude's Children's Hospital, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.

Beyond her equestrian pursuits, Kathi had a deep love of live music. She relished the experience of attending concerts, sharing the joy of music with friends and family, and celebrating the energy and connection that only a live performance can bring.

She is survived by her daughters, Angela Colon and Larissa Parisien; her grandchildren, Shaylyn Smith, Bethanie Farquharson, and MacheQunNaych "Quin" Parisien; and her siblings, Cheryl Brown, Pamela Howard, Michael Howard, Colleen Esposito, and David Howard. She was preceded in death by her parents, Naval Master Chief Petty Officer Leslie Howard and Elizabeth "Betty" Howard.

Kathi's dedication to the equestrian community, her entrepreneurial spirit, her lifelong love of horses, her charitable heart, and her passion for live music will be remembered by those whose lives she touched along the way.

A service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 with a tree planting ceremony at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boones Mill, Va where she'll be buried alongside her mother Elizabeth "Betty" Howard.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

or

Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center at https://www.hopkinslyme.org/supporting-the-lyme-disease-research-center/