Carolyn Ann Williams, age 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 26, 2023, at 6:00 a.m. as she slept peacefully in her home near Freelandville with loved ones close by.
Carolyn was born on the family farm in Widner Township on June 30, 1932, to William E. and Emma (Detering) Brocksmith. She was the youngest of three. Her brother, Roy Brocksmith, and sister, Mildred Brocksmith, have preceeded her in death.
She was confirmed in 1946 at Bethel Evangelical Church of Freelandville. She graduated from Freelandville High School in 1950 and worked at Montgomery Ward department store in Vincennes as a bookkeeper. She married the love of her life, Marvin Gene Williams, June 14, 1952, and celebrated 65 years of marriage being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandma. Gene and Carolyn both grew up as farm kids and dreamed of some day owning ground in Knox County. After many years of hard work that came to fruition and Carolyn worked along side her husband raising four children while gardening, canning/freezing, and managing the farm accounts.
Children left to cherish their memories include Cheryl Lane and husband Jerry, Susie Singleton and husband Joe, Bill Williams and wife Tammy, and Diane Telligman and husband Mark. Grandchildren include Ryan (Shelly) Lane, Clay (Brandy) Williams, Jamie (Jessica) Lane, Keith (Erica) Telligman, Clint (Katie) Williams, Tara (Cory) Parsons, Brandy (Michael) Toney, Emily (Casey) Pirtle, and Graham (Christy) Singleton. Many enjoyable moments were spent attending grandkids activities, and sporting events. Gene and Carolyn were trusted advisors to their adult children.
Carolyn’s love and kindness will be remembered by her many great grandchildren; Case, Cohen, Lane, Milee, Marlee, Paislee, and Finn Williams; Owen, Mason and Cora Lane; Jack, Nolan, Bennett and Jonathan Brower and Tomi, Coleson, and Tenli Parsons; Levi and Molly Telligman; Miles and Grady Toney; Sadie and Josie Pirtle; and baby boy Singleton due to arrive in February. Carolyn was preceeded in death by two great grandchildren, Jude and Audrey Toney.
Carolyn is survived by her brother in law, Sam (Patty) Williams; sister in laws, Doris Richter, Sue Ann Williams and Sharon Jones and several nieces and nephews.
Carolyn will be remembered by family and friends for her delicious dishes served during holidays, special occasions, and out in the fields during planting and harvest. She took great pride in her home by planting many outdoor flowers and decorating for each season. Many memories were made with family and friends during yearly vacations across the United States. For fifteen years, Carolyn and Gene spent time in Florida each spring visiting with friends, playing cards and enjoying the sunshine before planting season started. After retirement, they found great joy in watching their great grandchildren play at the family farm. The kids always looked forward to Grandma’s golf cart rides, homemade sugar cookies and a full candy bowl when they came to visit and play on the back porch.
Carolyn was a member of Bethel Church and Christian Partners Sunday School class. In her younger days she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. For 70 years she was an active member in the Freelandville (ladies) Immokolee Improvement Club. They worked at making their homes and community a better place to live.
Visitation fo Carolyn will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 11:00 to 2:00 at Bethel Church, 13673 E State Rd 58, Edwardsport, IN. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Bryan Taylor will officiate the service with burial in Bethel Cemetery near Freelandville.
Arrangements are being handled by Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Homes Bicknell Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made to Bethel Church or Good Samaritan Hospice. Online condolences may be made at https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.fredrickandson.com&c=E,1,ooXyX6qKA5hjlCAxf93IAO3e7HhT54w4Etp5cMSFCXJfotMBHFNCG6z1vEzSUdrf_PcaUtqc6YFYl5L3oUDQdhEWamudLFadSHo2EEOAz5CSSwXNztGIcghwug,,&typo=1