Kathleen L Williams

Kathleen (Kathy) Louise Williams of Central Lake passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2026 at Canterbury on the Lake in Waterford Mi at the age of 80. She was born September 16, 1945 in Detroit, the daughter of Reginald and Sarietta Bird. She graduated from Clarkston High School and went on to study education at Michigan State. At MSU, she met Richard Williams, and married the love of her life on March 18, 1967 in Clarkston, MI.

Kathy will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, gentle spirit, and the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on through her family, her students, and the many lives she enriched through her love of learning and teaching.

For many years, Kathy dedicated her life to education, as a first grade teacher in the Waterford and Clarkston school districts. She touched the lives of countless students with her patience, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of learning. Her energy and love of communication helped create relationships with her students that lasted far beyond school years. She retired from Cedar Crest Academy in 2002.

Her greatest pride, however, was her family. Shortly after graduating from college, she married Richard Williams, beginning a partnership that spanned decades. Dick was also a lifelong educator, so they shared their passion for helping shape the lives of kids. Her sons, Patrick and Daniel, grew up to become lifelong engineers, and each has two daughters. Kathy was especially delighted to see two of her granddaughters follow in her footsteps by becoming teachers themselves, carrying forward the same commitment of nurturing young minds and making a difference in the lives of others.

Surviving are her sons Patrick (Jennifer) Williams of Clarkston and Daniel (Teresa) Williams of Wood Dale, IL, and grandchildren Ashley and Emily of Clarkston and Kayla and Chloe of Wood Dale, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, August 8th from 11am to 1pm at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Twp.

Please share your memories at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com