Catherine Ann Davis Otto died peacefully on November 10, 2026 after a brief but courageous fight against cancer. Cathy was born on July 9, 1957 in Augusta, Georgia. She spent her childhood in Savannah, Chicago, and Montgomery before moving back to Savannah during her teen years. In 1975, while she was working her way through high school as a server at Mr. Pizza, she met the man who would become her beloved husband, Kim Otto. Cathy and Kim were married on June 11, 1977 at Windsor Forest Baptist Church. Their son Billy was born eight years later, and they filled his childhood with adventure, endless laughter, and unfailing love. 

Cathy dedicated her life to others, both personally and professionally. Early in her career, she worked at the child support recovery unit in the Chatham County District Attorney’s office. There, she trained as a police officer, and although her tiny hands required the most petite gun available, she qualified as a sharp-shooter - something she was always proud of (and loved to joke about). She later worked as a legal assistant at Adams & Ellis law firm, and in 1994, she became a paralegal at Savage & Turner, where she worked for the remainder of her career.

Over her 30 years at that firm, that tiny woman became a giant of the Savannah legal community. She worked tirelessly for her clients, answering their calls at all hours to talk them through their grief, fears, and worries related to their cases. She was so much more than a paralegal to her clients and colleagues, providing not just counsel but also friendship, mentorship, and a shoulder to cry on. She especially adored all her longshoremen clients, talking fondly of them all the time. And the feeling was mutual: her clients, who often felt more like friends, checked in on her constantly. She was beloved by her colleagues and countless friends, with whom she shared her unlimited kindness, humor, and unfailing generosity.

Above all, Cathy was dedicated to her husband Kim and their son, Billy. She was the best mother anyone could ask for, planning elaborate birthday parties, encouraging Billy to excel academically, and to pursue opportunities and adventures she never had. In recent years, she often visited Billy at his home in Washington, D.C., where they explored every monument, every museum, and even the halls of Congress and the White House. Her trips with Billy were some of the best times of their lives.

Cathy was known by all for her sweet smile, quick wit, and a seemingly endless amount of energy, positivity, and generosity. She was the brightest light in any room and could make anyone feel like the most important person. She also loved animals, devoting care to her many precious dogs through the years, particularly her beloved dachshunds. She loved long walks around her neighborhood or downtown Savannah, visiting the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, and having a nice glass of wine on her back porch with Billy, often with Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn playing in the background.

Cathy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Kim Otto of Savannah, and their son Billy Otto of Washington, D.C. She is also survived by her mother, Carolyn Davis of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as well as her beloved sisters Connie Choate (Tony) of Clarksville, Tennessee and Lucy Gill (Larry) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as well as her nieces and nephews, whom she adored, Becky Carroll (Janet) and Will Carroll (Heather) of Savannah, Rachel Carroll of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Kayla Dykes (Jacob), Leslie Tate (Le), and Nathan Smith of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is predeceased by her father, William Joseph Davis. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Fox & Weeks, Islands Chapel at 4605 Highway 80 on Whitemarsh Island at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Cathy’s name may be sent to Oatland Island Wildlife Center (https://oatland.sccpss.com/support/donate) or your favorite animal rescue center.