Laura Williams McCann

Laura was born on June 30, 1953, in El Paso, Texas, to Lillian and Lt. Colonel Durward F. (Pete) Williams. Her father was a career military officer, and the family moved many times throughout Laura’s childhood. These experiences gave her the opportunity to encounter many different places, cultures, and people.

Laura graduated from high school in Brunswick, Georgia, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Georgia. She later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she received a master’s degree in education from Washington University, specializing in the education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Laura devoted much of her career to the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis. It was there that she met her husband, Arthur McCann, who had been deaf since early childhood. Together, Laura and Arthur built a wonderful life in the St. Louis area, forming many lasting friendships, particularly within the deaf and hard of hearing community. She was described by her St. Louis friends as a wonderful friend, an amazing teacher, and a mentor to many young professionals.

Following a long and distinguished career at the Central Institute for the Deaf, Laura retired from CID and continued serving students through the Special School District, first as an itinerant teacher and later as the coordinator for incoming students.

Arthur was a gifted craftsman and customized a sleeper van in which he and Laura traveled throughout the United States. Their summers were often spent visiting friends and family and exploring new places together.

Laura was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur; her parents, Lillian and Pete Williams; and her sister, Mary Jane Williams. She is survived by her brother, Dean Williams (Barbara); her sister, Elaine Conner (Kim); and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces on both sides of her family.

Laura spent the final years of her life in the Atlanta area, close to her brother and his family. During her last year and a half, she lived at the Addison of Alpharetta Assisted Living, where she formed many friendships with residents and staff members alike.

Laura was a kind and gentle soul who impacted many lives through her devotion to family and friends and her lifelong dedication to children who were deaf or hard of hearing.

A celebration of Laura’s life will be held on October 11, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. in the dining hall at the Addison of Alpharetta. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, https://cid.edu/donate/ or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.