Carol Ann Williams

Carol Ann Self Williams passed away on July 3, 2018, at her home in Mebane, N.C., after an extended illness.

Carol was born on Dec 8, 1938, in Eden, N.C., to Mary Lily Hailey and Robert Lee Self, both of whom preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by her mother- and father-in-law, Dot and Ray Williams and brother-in- law John Williams.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 58 years, M. Ray Williams, Jr. ; children,  Stephen Williams (Holly) of Mebane, Mary Peterson of Reston, Va., and Jennifer Rector (Lewis) of Charlottesville, Va.; five grandchildren, Christian Hoyt (Jessie), Liza Ballentine (Jeremy), Alexis Peterson, John Rector and Nathaniel Williams; a great-grandson, Barrett Hoyt; a brother, Jim Self of Wilson, N.C.; two nieces, Julie Watkins (Tom) and Stephanie Braxton (Chuck), one nephew, Ben Self; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and other beloved family members and friends.

Carol graduated from Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington, N.C., Class of 1957, and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. 

Carol and Ray had a special bond, and Ray adored Carol like no other. She and Ray lived in Chapel Hill, where Stephen was born, and Greensboro before moving to Northern Virginia in the early 1960s. Mary and Jennifer soon came along, and after the children were all of school age, Carol started teaching.

Carol taught elementary school in Reston, VA her entire career. She was an extraordinary teacher who thrived on helping students find and develop their strengths and talents. 

Carol treasured her deep and wonderful friendships, many of which spanned decades.

Carol had a keen intellect and an appreciation for all forms of beauty. She loved to read and travel and to have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. She was an avid collector of folk art and books.

Carol was a sensitive and generous woman. She loved Ray and her children and grandchildren more than anything.

The family is deeply grateful to Joan Atkinson for the wonderful, godly care she gave our mother and wife over the past year.

Services will be held at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington on Friday, July 6, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and service beginning at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Dr. Tom Watkins officiating, followed by a graveside service at Alamance Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol Ann Williams, please visit our floral store.