Eliza "Tot" Hofler Williams

Eliza Roberts Hofler Williams passed on Saturday, May 30, 2026. "Tot", as she was called from an early age, was born in Windsor, North Carolina on August 24, 1942. She was the middle daughter of Eliza Cowper Hofler and James Luther Hofler.

Tot was one of a kind. Her unique way of expressing herself and her spontaneous remarks were legendary. Everything she said was quotable, including “rich as cream,” “pretty is as pretty does,” “tootie wootie scootie dootie,” and many not suitable for print. Her high school yearbook quote captured her best: “Leave silence to the saints, I am but human.”

Tot graduated from Windsor High School where she was a high-stepping, baton-twirling majorette in the school’s marching band. Her antics on the football field were renowned and made halftime shows a must see. She continued her education at St. Mary’s Junior College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University. She made her debut at the Terpsichorean Ball in Raleigh in 1961. Following graduation, Tot taught fifth grade in Tarboro and later substitute taught for many years in Raleigh. It is unclear if the children learned much but certainly a good time was had by all.

Tot was a sales associate at Tyler House in Raleigh for over 24 years. Her free spirit, creative sense of style, attention to detail, eagerness to help, and bluntly shared honest opinions made her guidance sought-after by women throughout eastern North Carolina.

Tot was passionate about shopping in high-end shops, local flea markets, and everything in between. She was an avid collector of Herend porcelain, Limoge boxes, silver, and art. She had a talent for interior decorating, as evidenced in her colorful and stylish home. Tot was a self-taught artist. Her abstract paintings adorned the walls of her home. She followed the ups and downs of the stock market, buying and selling with great enthusiasm, and meticulously tracking her holdings in fat notebooks piled high on her bedside table. She took pleasure in playing bridge, visiting art museums and galleries, and traveling. Summer vacations at Nags Head with her extended family were a special delight. She also loved spending time in her enormous four-poster bed, reading magazines and watching “her stories” and Saturday Night Live. Tot was an irregular member of the Raleigh Junior League and Christ Episcopal Church. Yet, she held her faith dear and taught her children to pray in both good times and bad.

Tot is survived by her children Hofler Williams of Gainesville, Georgia and Gray Carlin and husband Kevin of Raleigh; her grandchildren, Hallie Fody and husband Chris, Virginia Williams, and Patrick, James and Hayes Carlin; her sisters, Eugenia (“G”) Clement and husband Bob, and Anne Powell and husband Joe Clay; as well as many nieces and dear friends.

The family is especially grateful for Tot’s special “Sistahs” at Morningside of Raleigh who had fun with and cared for Tot during the last fifteen months.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church in Raleigh at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Following the service the family will greet family and friends in the Christ Church Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christ Church (https://ccral.org/), Transitions LifeCare (https://www.transitionslifecare.org/) or a charity of your choice.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh is serving the Williams family.