Carol C Williams

Born on August 8, 1937, in Lamesa, Texas, Carol was the youngest of three daughters. From an early age, music filled her life. At just four years old, she began singing with her sisters, accompanied on piano by their mother. Their trio became a cherished presence at the Lamesa Methodist Church services and even performed regularly on a Sunday morning local radio program. The sisters continued singing together into their college years at McMurry College (now McMurry University), where Carol would meet her future husband, Rodney Williams—a charming Methodist pastor in training. They shared 25 years of marriage and were blessed with three devoted daughters, who brought her great joy with their close and loving bond.

As a pastor's wife, she moved every few years around west Texas, creating a warm and loving home in each new town. After the daughters were all in college, she set out on her own to create a new life for herself in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In 1989, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a challenge she faced with quiet strength and extraordinary grace for the remainder of her life. In 2001, she moved to San Antonio to be closer to her daughters.

She found great delight in reading, playing games with her friends and on her iPad, and spending time with family. She loved ordering things online and still had a long list of books she was planning to read.

She is survived by her sisters, Betty Whitehurst and Peggy Hooper, her daughters and their spouses or partners, Beverly Milam and Lou Cusimano, Joan and Chris Edelen and Linda and Paul Henry, her grandsons and their spouses, Matthew (Erin) and Kevin Milam, and Christopher and Daniel (Caroline) Edelen. She is also remembered by her nieces and nephews, who knew of her kind and gentle spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents, Orpah and Tracy Campbell.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the devoted caregivers at Lynridge of San Antonio Assisted Living & Memory Care (formerly Heartis Senior Living), who provided such compassionate care and companionship during Carol's later years. The family also extends deep gratitude to Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Emergency Room team, Freedom Hospice San Antonio and The Key Home Care for their exceptional care and tenderness in Carol's final chapter, and to Porter Loring Mortuary for their kindness, dignity and thoughtful guidance during this time.

A private celebration of life service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or the American Library Association.