Dawn Lee Williams

Dawn Lee Williams (Potter), age 68, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at Rose Arbor Hospice in her hometown of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Born on August 16, 1957, Dawn spent her life rooted in the community that shaped her, carrying forward a legacy of compassion, service, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Dawn was the kind of person who cared with her whole heart. She was a natural caregiver; selfless, steady, and always ready to show up for family, friends, and even strangers who quickly became friends. She never met someone she couldn’t talk to, and she carried a warmth that made others feel instantly at ease. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, proudly sharing stories about each of them with anyone who would listen.

Dawn had a lifelong love of history, especially the Civil War, and she enjoyed being part of the community of Civil War reenactments, where she connected with others who shared her passion for the era. Her appreciation for the past was matched by her pride in her own heritage. She attended Kalamazoo College from 1976 to 1979, earning her Bachelor of Arts, and during that time she spent a semester abroad in 1977–1978 as an exchange student in Germany, living with a host family and immersing herself in European culture. That experience shaped her worldview and remained one of her most cherished memories. She later continued her education at the University of Toledo, earning an Associate of Science in Legal Assistant Technology in 1981.

Dawn’s life took her from Kalamazoo to Pompano Beach, Florida, in the late 1980s, then to Toledo in the early 1990s, before she eventually returned home to Michigan. No matter where she lived, she built community effortlessly. She was friendly, personable, and known for her ability to make others feel seen.

She also had a creative and nurturing side, often expressed through baking. Her oatmeal cookies and banana bread were family favorites, made with the same love she poured into every part of her life. And even though no bake cookies technically required no oven, Timothy always insisted they counted as baking, a point his siblings were more than happy to debate.

Dawn is survived by her three sons, Timothy (Melinda) Williams, Aaron Williams, and Jonathan (Stephanie) Williams; her six beloved grandchildren, Bryce, Mya, Kayla, Michael, Easton, and Gunner; her mother, Onalee Potter (Ordiway); and her brothers, Kenneth Potter and Sherman Potter. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were brightened by her presence.

A memorial service to honor Dawn’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, located at 3370 113th Ave, Allegan, MI 49010. A luncheon will follow at the church, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and continue celebrating Dawn’s life.

Dawn will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, her love of history and heritage, and the way she made every person feel like family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.