Deborah Thawley Williams

Deborah Thawley Williams, age 61 of Bethlehem, GA, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 25, 2026, unexpectedly following a sudden illness. As she entered the gates of Heaven, she was welcomed home by her Heavenly Father, her parents: Charles Brooks Thawley and Nancy Ruth Jernigan Thawley, and her in-laws: George M. Williams, Sr. and Glenda Brown.

Deborah was a devoted wife, loving mother, daughter, sister, proud grandmother and faithful friend to all that knew her. For 34 years, she shared a beautiful life and enduring love with her devoted husband, George M. Williams, Jr. Together they built a family rooted in love and hard work. Deborah's greatest joy in life was her family and helping others.

She had a fierce passion for nursing and all that came with it. Deborah graduated from Gwinnett Technical College with her LPN and she worked with the elderly at the hospital and in private nursing before going on to work with one of the top Neurosurgeons in the state of Georgia where she assisted in surgeries and tended to and cared for the patients. Shortly after getting married, she helped build and grow an extremely successful trucking business alongside her husband and her father-in-law where she was the office manager and bookkeeper. She took great pride in her role and position throughout many years together.

Deborah also took immense pleasure and joy in being actively involved in her children's extracurricular activities throughout their school years. She helped coach her son's little league baseball team and later watched him lead his marching band as assistant drum major on the field on Friday nights. She was a cheer mom and part-time coach of her oldest daughter's competitive cheerleading squad and then enjoyed being team mom for her youngest daughter's volleyball team. Deborah was a member of Athens Country Club where she supported her husband as he played golf. She was a member of NRA and the American Heart Association. She enjoyed many years being part of her husband's pit crew and spotting him as he raced. Deborah also had a deep passion for horses and all that entailed.

Deborah is survived by her husband of 34 years, George M. Williams, Jr; son Michael Andrew Atkins (Kristin); daughters: Brittany Grace Fowler (William) and Sarah Anne Williams (Jesus); sisters: Lauren Thawley and Brooke Thawley (Traci); and grandchildren: Roman Atkins, Adison Fowler, Abreilla De La Cruz, Allie Atkins, Bently Fowler, Elijah De La Cruz, and Tucker-Lee Fowler.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 755 Atlanta Hwy SE, Winder, GA on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from noon until 2:00 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm in Smith Memory Chapel. Burial will take place at Barrow Memorial Gardens, 793 Atlanta Hwy SE, Winder, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Foundation.