Carol Williams

In the early afternoon on July 3, 2022, Carol Williams died peacefully in Chandler surrounded by all five of her children and other close family.

Carol was born in 1949 to Marvin and Marilyn Williams in Mesa. She graduated from Mesa High at the top of her class, after which she served in the Peru Lima Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Brigham Young University, class of 1976. She was sealed in the Mesa Temple and had five children: Afton, Evan, Benjamin, Reuben, and Wilson. She was known by her kids’ friends for being the “cool” mom. In 1997, Carol built a home in Queen Creek where she lived for 23 years.

Carol had many hobbies, some of which included riding horses, reading, fly-fishing, crafts, participating in theater, singing, playing mandolin and piano. She was also known for collecting all things related to hedgehogs. Perhaps Carol’s favorite hobby was to play cards and board games with family and friends. People liked being on her team because she won much of the time. Carol loved to travel. She visited at least 11 countries and almost all of the 50 states.

Carol was passionate about her family, her friends, and her faith. She loved being a grandmother and tried to set aside time with each of her grandchildren, who knew her as “Gram.” Carol was an expert at making friends and was always being invited to the next game night or get-together. She impacted the lives of many people, including those in her church.

People adored her sense of humor, which was on display even in her final days. She was also known for being kind, strong and courageous. Despite being a single mother for many years, she was always able to put food on the table and provide wholesome recreation for her family. Carol started a successful business as an independent insurance broker. She eventually sold her business and fulfilled her dream of an adult service mission. In 2020, she was called to the Scotland-Ireland Mission where she served honorably and partook in many uplifting experiences.

Carol survived breast cancer twice. Near the end of her mission, she received the unfortunate news that her breast cancer had returned and spread to her liver and spine. Her mission and family noticed many tender mercies which allowed her to barely make it back home. She was in Arizona for 12 days before her passing. During this short time, she had a steady flow of visitors expressing their love and saying goodbye.

Carol Williams is preceded in death by her parents and brother Mark. She is survived by her two sisters, Annie Lund and Julie Williams, as well as her five children: Afton Welker (Michael), Evan (Jamie) Craghead, Benjamin (Janell) Craghead, Reuben (Megan) Craghead, and Wilson (Lindsay) Craghead. She has 15 grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Her memorial services will be held at 9 AM on July 14th at the LDS Church near Higley & Riggs at the address below. There will be no viewing or graveside service on that date. 7361 S. Constellation Way Gilbert, AZ 85298