Patricia Lynne Kelly Williams

She was the oldest daughter of James Lafayette and Carolyn Riehl Kelly, who both predeceased her. Lynne and her sister Clare Kelly O’Shaughnessey grew up spending time outside, playing tennis, and traveling together. They loved visiting Henderson, Kentucky to see their mother’s parents, Helen Riehl “Nana” and Archie Riehl “Fafa,” as well as their father’s mother Nellie Kelly Crawford “Gaga” in Atlanta, all of whom Lynne cleverly and endearingly named. Lynne had fun planning their “sister trips” to Germany, Lake Como, Wyoming, Mexico, among countless other places. As a family, they spent cherished time together at their family farm in Toccoa, Georgia, and at Lyford Cay in Nassau, Bahamas.

Lynne attended The Lovett School (K through 12) and graduated in 1979. She was a gifted athlete and was a four-year varsity tennis team member and wonderful swimmer. She was a beloved friend to many and a member of the senior homecoming court. After graduation, she organized several Lovett / Westminster “rival” alumni tennis round-robins, which were enjoyed by all. She attended Southern Methodist University her freshman year of college, and then transferred to The University of Georgia graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1983. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, was a synchronized swimmer one year at UGA, and was an avid fan of her alma mater like her father, “Bulldog Kelly.” She treasured every minute at UGA and stayed close with many friends from childhood and college throughout her life.

After college, Lynne earned her paralegal certification and worked at King & Spalding and then Trust Company of Georgia, where she and Milton began their lifelong love and devotion. Lynne’s true gift was being a wonderful wife and mother, raising her three children she brought into the world in under three years! She loved saying, “we had three under three!”

Lynne dedicated her life to her children, instilling in them the importance of their Christian faith and family from a young age. You would think Lynne could teleport with the number of sporting events, summer camps, school activities, and adventures that she wanted her children to experience. Lynne had a generous and thoughtful heart, helping her children make cookies and homemade cards every Christmas to deliver to the local fire and police departments. Over the years, Lynne and her family shared unforgettable memories together at their favorite places – Kiawah Island, Lake Toxaway, Lyford Cay, and A-Bar-A Ranch in Wyoming – and enjoyed cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers together with Lynne’s famous red/black and orange/navy “good luck” ribbons that she insisted be carried around by everyone on game day. Her children were her greatest pride and joy.

Lynne was a member of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, the Habersham Garden Club and Junior League. She was one of the first female members of The Capital City Club, and had been a member of The Lyford Cay Club in The Bahamas. Lynne held dual citizenship with The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Throughout her life she found joy in traveling the world, going scuba diving, listening and dancing to music, giving gifts, watching birds, and collecting carved angels. Lynne enjoyed watching The Hallmark Channel and never missed an opportunity to root for her favorite tennis players on The Tennis Channel.

Those who knew Lynne knew how much she loved to laugh and find humor in every day life. She had unending love for her family and friends, and was an extraordinarily kind and gentle soul. She wanted the best for those around her and everyone’s wellbeing was on the forefront of her mind. She was very courageous through tough health challenges she faced later in life. We are all blessed to have known her and be loved by her.

Lynne is survived by her husband, Milton Wells Williams Ill, married for 34 years, and her three loving children, Kelly Riehl Williams Twardzik (Richard), Margot Williams Maum (Blake), who both live in Atlanta, and Milton “Wells" Williams lV (Madie), who lives in Nashville, TN, as well as her sister Clare Kelly O’Shaughnessey (Michael) and 12 nieces and nephews across both families.

Lynne will be interred at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Angel Flight Soars (www.angelflightsoars.com)