Laura Don Williams

Laura Williams, wife of Dr. J. O. Williams, native of West Texas, and long-time resident of Abilene, completed her earthly journey on March 15, 2018. Mrs. Williams was born in Somervell County, Texas, on April 12, 1929, and lived in Snyder until 1935 when she moved with her family to California. During succeeding years, Laura became a world citizen: she lived in Waco where she attended Baylor University; in Dallas where J.O. attended medical School as well as Abilene and Fort Worth where he practiced medicine; near Cottonwood, Texas, where they owned a ranch; and in Sun City West, Arizona, where the couple lived adjacent to Laura's now-deceased brother, John Crawley. Laura and J.O. met, dated, and married in 1948. On September 1, 2018, they would have been married 70 years. Four children blessed their marriage and lives: Priscilla, Paul, Yvonne, and Bruce. The Williams family now includes 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents, John Isham Crawley/Nora Bell (Stodgill) Crawley, and her youngest son, Bruce Williams. She is survived by her husband, J.O. Williams, M.D., and her children: Priscilla Anderson and husband, Bill; Paul Williams and wife, Carolyn; and Yvonne Suggs and husband, David. Grandchildren include: James Anderson and wife, Misty; Scott Williams and wife, Lauri; Nora Williams; Wendi Castillo and husband, Jeremy; Dylan Williams and wife, Chiaki; Heather Linehan and husband, Matt; Laura Williams; Stephanie Williams; Danielle Williams and husband, Dustin; and Rhiannon Suggs. Fourteen great-grandchildren also extend and enrich the family. Beloved family and blessed friends celebrate Laura's life and the many good gifts that have blessed us richly. Laura was cherished wife of J O. and beloved mother to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She nurtured a heart-for-children and served the needs of children through a committee that worked with Child Protective Services of Callahan County, and served on a committee that established a weekday children's ministry, GLO (God's Little Ones) at First Baptist Church, Abilene. Laura invested herself in other ventures. While J.O. was involved in his OB/GYN practice in Abilene and Fort Worth, Laura managed the Turkey Creek Ranch near Cottonwood. During 1991-2000, she and her husband conducted medical mission work in Mexico. While living in Arizona, Laura served as a member of the Decorating Committee for First Baptist Church, Sun City West. Laura and J.O. returned to Abilene in 2004, became members of First Baptist Church, and were faithful members of the Freedom Sunday School Class until her health made regular participation impossible. During retirement, Laura and J.O. have supported the River Ministry of the Baptist General Convention and the doctoral program of Logsdon Seminary, Hardin-Simmons University, and other Christian mission and ministry causes. On Saturday, April 7, family and friends will gather at 2:00 p.m. in The Atrium at Wesley Court to praise God as we give thanks for and celebrate the life of Laura Williams. We shall give thanks for Laura who gave and received love within her family and with all whose life she touched. We shall celebrate the life of one who responded to the needs of people without reference to social class, economic status, or racial identity. We shall give thanks for her life which embodied Christian graces. And we shall celebrate this one who demonstrated the life of Jesus in her lifestyle and through her care for others. Laura's family are deeply grateful for the love and care expressed by friends and fellow church members, by medical personnel and care givers and, especially, Hospice of the Big Country and Medical Director and longtime friend, Dr. George Dawson, M.D. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Big Country.