Mary Joanne Williams

Mary Joanne Williams, 79, of Burlington, North Carolina was called home by the Lord on Monday, September 6th, 2021 after a long illness.  She was born in Hartford, Connecticut to Harvey and Grace Gauthier. She was the second oldest of four children. Joanne spent her career as a nurse having graduated from New Britain hospital as a registered nurse. Her career spanned pediatrics, psychology, labor and delivery, intensive care, and ultimately, she found her passion in emergency room nursing.

Joanne married Jim Elmer Williams and had two daughters, Jennifer Williams, and Jody Harris (Craig). Through out her life she dedicated herself to service, focusing on childhood development; she chaired the Child Care Center of Stamford, Connecticut and was the president of the George Washington Carver Foundation of Norwalk, Connecticut. Joanne loved people and never met a stranger. In her later years, she enjoyed time and the company of her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jim, and two younger sisters, Gail and Linda. Surviving are her brother, Harvey Gauthier, two daughters and four grandchildren: Hunter Williams, Jala Foster, Denzel Foster and Connor Harris. Her first grandchild bestowed her the name of “Gammy.” She was especially close to her only ‘extraordinary’ granddaughter, Jala, and was delighted with her ‘card shark’ partner, Denzel and fellow ‘leftie’, Connor.

While our hearts are heavy with her passing, we are joyous knowing she is at peace with the Lord. The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson Funeral Service in Burlington at 4:00 on Friday with a memorial service to follow at 4:30.

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