Carolyn Claudia Williams

Carolyn Claudia (Wilson) Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois to Margaret Farmer Wilson and Claude Miller Wilson, Sr. both of whom preceded her in death. From an early age Carolyn's gentle and contemplative spirit was balanced with a deep love of the arts.   She studied dramatic performances, ballet , and piano, and found joy in sharing her talents through youth drama and music clubs. She attended St. Columbanus Grammar School and Hirsch High School where she active in Drama and Music Clubs, before continuing her education at Chicago City College. She later graduated from Bryant & Stratton Business College and further honed her her artistic interests at the Goodman Theater School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Carolyn pursued a distinguished career in administrative services, beginning with Household Finance Corporation and later serving with Chicago Title and Trust, the Marmon Group, General Electric, and R. R. Donnelly & Sons. Her most rewarding professional chapter was at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she served as Senior Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor. In 1999, Carolyn was honored as employee of the year in Administrative Services, a reflection of her exceptional dedication and work ethic. She later retired after sixteen years of devoted service, leaving behind a legacy marked by professionalism, integrity, and kindness.

Travel was among one of Carolyn's greatest joys. Her journeys took her to Hawaii, Spain, Morocco, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Barbados, and across the United States from California, and Las Vegas to New York and beyond. A devoted patron of the arts, she found delight in the theater, concerts, and film. she also nurtured her passion for beauty every single day, collecting ceramics, crystal, brass, wood, and figurines, and boxes, and expressing her creativity through decorating. Carolyn's generous spirit was evident in her literacy tutoring and her faithful service at Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, where she contributed  to worship and service committees with quiet devotion.

An accomplished writer, Carolyn shared her imaginative short stories through a local writers' group. This fellowship became another space for creativity, curiosity, and love of expression shone brightly.

Later in life,Carolyn met and married her beloved husband Vernon Roy Williams. Their marriage was a blessing marked by companionship,strength, faith, and joy. Together they shared more than 32 years of life's journey.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her brother Claude Miller "Scoop" Wilson, Jr., and sister-in-law Myla Wray and Phyliss Robinson. Carolyn leaves behind her devoted husband Vernon, her cherished niece Chandrika (Andrew) Hickman, great nephews Chase and Boston, sister-in-law Vivian Williams and Chelsea Berry, brother-in-law Larry Dillard and Christopher Wray; nephew Dylan; nieces Mylan and Aylana Wray. She is also survived by many beloved cousins and extended family members who will treasure her memory.

Carolyn's life truly was a reflection of grace,creativity, and kindness. Guided by her unwavering faith, she lived by the Golden Rule found in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31-treating others as she wished to be treated. Her presence was a gift, her love a blessing, and her legacy a light that will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Carolyn was beloved sister, aunt, wife, cousin, and friend. Her gentle spirit, thoughtful nature, and steady presence enriched the lives of alll who knew her. We celebrate the life she lived, the love she gave, and the memories she leaves behind.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.