Carol Fay (Gibson) Williams entered the arms of her loved ones and her Lord on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020, at age 81. She passed peacefully in her home in Arcanum, Ohio, with her family by her side. She lived years beyond expectations, having valiantly battled heart disease and diabetes for most of her life.Carol was born on December 22, 1938, in the Appalachian Hills of South Charleston, West Virginia, to the late William Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Southern, O'Dell) Gibson. While they had little, they were rich in faith and love for family. They later moved to Rutland, Ohio, where she graduated from high school. With the help from her older sister and her husband, she moved to the city to begin a new life. It was while working at Battelle Institute in Columbus, Ohio, that she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Williams. They were married in 1961 in the white church on the hill in Rio Grande, Ohio.
Over the next 58 years, Bill and Carol lived a life of adventure, discovery, responsibility, and achievement. Carol provided needed support as Bill completed his graduate studies, and they joined the University of Michigan community in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They adopted two daughters, Gwen Ellen Williams and Sarah Elizabeth (Williams) Rock. Carol was an amazing mother, ensuring her children had access to the best education, limitless opportunities, and remained active in faith through the United Methodist church. Despite these enormous responsibilities, she went on to attend Eastern Michigan University and completed a BA in Business Education, as well as many credits towards her master's degree. She began teaching through the Ann Arbor School system, eventually teaching Adult Education at Willow Run. Carol still found time to volunteer helping the elderly and taught Sunday School and Confirmation with Bill at the Dixboro United Methodist Church.
One of Carol's true passions was playing bridge with her friends. Competitive as she was, she mostly enjoyed the time spent with her friends, many being lifelong companions. She was so proud when achieving Life Master, a distinction she had worked towards for so many years. Carol had a knack for arts and crafts, sewing, needlepoint, photography, and cooking. Genealogy became a significant passion in the last few decades, which led her to find relatives and new discoveries about her ancestors. History was her favorite subject and you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has read more books than Carol.
After raising their daughters, Bill and Carol began travels all over the country and the world. Through Bill's work with the university, they lived in six countries, learned new languages, and went on countless adventures from riding camels to dinners with dignitaries. Being a grandmother was one of the dearest parts of her life.
Carol is now with her mother, joining her three brothers, Gene, Calvin, and Harvey; and her two sisters, Joyce and Pauline, in Heaven. She leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Dr. William J. Williams; their two daughters, Gwen Williams and Sarah Elizabeth (Williams) Rock and her husband, Lewis. Deeply grieving are her loving grandchildren, Kasey, Riley, Morgan, Devin, Shelby, and Brenna; and her two great grandchildren, Keegan and Kiera.
A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2020, at the Tribute Funeral Home, Greenville Campus, with Rev. Eric Fee officiating. Her family will receive guests on Friday from 2:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM. A meal will be provided following the ceremony.
Given the need for social distancing, the family wishes that all distant relatives and cherished friends understand that attendance is not expected. Instead, you are encouraged to send a memory to the funeral home (mail or email) to be included in the service and the records.
Per her request, Carol is asking all donations be given to Visiting Angels of Englewood, State of the Heart Care, and/or Comprehensive Health Care. These companies provided amazing, compassionate care for Carol and our family and they are owed our undying gratitude. You are all appreciated more than you could ever know.
Carol was at peace when she left us, knowing we would all take care of dad and their dearly loved dog, Lilly. Remember the good times, her laugh and smile. Take a moment to remember how much she loved us all, how she unapologetically expressed her rebel soul, and how she took such good care of so many of us. And definitely enjoy a good donut in her honor. "It is well, it is well with my soul."
Online condolences may be left for Carol’s family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com