On Monday, May 10, 2021, Laura Helen Williams left this world loved by her family, friends, and so many others. Laura was 85 years old, born the daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Whitaker) Warner on June 5, 1935 in Middletown, Ohio.
Laura was a proud, strong woman and made the most of whatever life handed her leading the way for generations to follow. She began working at the age of 12 and by the 1950’s — as a brave, tenacious young woman and mother — Laura started to make a mark on her world by opening the doors of her own fledgling business, Laura Williams and Associates Tax Service, passionately working to juggle work and family. With her tireless devotion, the business grew and flourished, serving the tri-state area over 50 years. To her clients, she was not only a knowledgeable professional but also a friend. A welcome smile, a listening ear, a confidante, and defender.
Later in her career, Laura worked diligently to become an IRS credentialed Enrolled Agent at an age when some folks may have been longing or planning for retirement.
Middletown was Laura’s home and she took great pride in her city. With her love of the arts and culture, she was thrilled to be active behind the scenes of Middfest International and the Sorg Opera Company for many years. She supported numerous local charities, sponsored youth sports leagues, and championed local events to help create opportunities for Middletown’s youth to grow and mature. As a two-term Middletown City Council member, she was a bridge builder and voice to the voiceless in her city. One always knew where Laura stood, she was a maverick who chose to advocate for her community and was willing to fight for those she felt were under-represented, regardless of the cost to herself.
Laura is survived by her husband of 71 years, Thomas E. Williams. She loved and was loved by her two daughters, Susan (husband, Rodney) Thornton and Kathy (husband, Tim) Koch; seven wonderful grandchildren, Jessica, Tim, Jeffrey, Laura, Charles, Mary and Anna; fifteen adorable great grandchildren and five siblings, Barbara, Jean, David, Nathan and Mike along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.
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