Carol Nichols Williams

Carol Jane Nichols Williams, a beacon of joy and elegance, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, at the age of 96 in Phoenix, Arizona. Born on September 2, 1928, in Highland Park, Illinois, Carol's life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and a pursuit of beauty in all its forms.
Carol's journey through life was as graceful as the ice-skating routines she once performed. After attending Colorado College, she wove her path through various careers, including telephone operator and flight attendant, embodying her spirited and adventurous nature. Her competitive spirit shone brightly as both competitive ice skater and as a competition judge, where she inspired many with her poise and determination. Carol's love for the outdoors was paralleled by her skill as an avid golfer, a pastime she enjoyed immensely.
On October 19, 1957, Carol married the love of her life, John Frederick Williams. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where they built a life filled with shared passions and joys, and the raising of their children. Carol was known for her impeccable sense of fashion and her love for the finer things in life. An opera and ballet aficionado, Carol found deep joy in the arts, which was only matched by her enthusiasm for travel and her cherished collection of sea shells and rocks from around the world. Carol was a long-time member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Phoenix.
Carol's family was the cornerstone of her world. She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2005, her parents, Dr. Cornelius Vigo Nichols and Edna Hazel Murbach Nichols, and her brothers, Robert William Nichols and Neil James Nichols. She leaves behind a legacy of love with her children, Les Ann Williams and her wife Kelli, John Douglas Williams and his husband Matthew, and her granddaughter, Rayne O'Muineachan.
Those who knew Carol will remember her as the embodiment of love and light. She was funny, bringing laughter to every gathering; spirited, never shying away from a challenge; and loving, with a heart that encompassed all she met. We are reminded today of these words "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh.) And if you knew Carol, you knew you were lucky to have been blessed with that connection.
Carol's life was a journey of joy and a testament to the beauty of the human spirit. As we bid farewell to this remarkable, classy lady, we celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. A legacy of love, laughter, and the relentless pursuit of all that is beautiful in life. Carol Jane Nichols Williams will be dearly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us.
A memorial service for Carol will be held October 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association. www.heart.org To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Carol Nichols Williams, please visit our Tree Store.