Doris Jean Williams

Doris Jean Williams, 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, just a few weeks shy of her 96th birthday.

Doris was born January 28, 1930, in Manhattan, Kansas to George Edward Wood and Dora Delpha Watkins Wood. Her earliest years were spent growing up on a farm outside of Manhattan, and as a teenager moved into town. Doris graduated from Manhattan High School and later attended Kansas State University. She married Harold Leroy Williams on August 7, 1949 in Manhattan. Doris spent many years as a homemaker, raising their two children, Reva and Phil. She was involved in their activities and volunteered countless hours at their school, scouting events and attending every band concert and choir concert the kids were involved in. She and Harold also traveled all over the state to watch Phil play football and baseball.

Doris enjoyed baking and was an excellent cook. She particularly loved cookies, and almost always had homemade cookies available for those that stopped by to see her. Doris was very social and loved to be around people. When her children were older, she took painting classes and learned to swim as an adult. When she became a grandparent, she took great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and later great grandchildren. She and Harold spent a lot of time traveling both for his career and for pleasure, and after Harold’s passing, Doris traveled with friends to places that included Cancun, Hawaii, and many trips to Branson. Doris was well known for her love of Christmas, collecting Santa figurines that were on display in her home year-round. She also was an avid sports fan, particularly K-State Sports, and loved watching sports on TV and talking sports with anyone and everyone.

Doris loved children and worked in child care for several years after Harold’s passing, known as “Grandma D” by the kids and families. She also worked at the General Store at Topeka’s Ward Meade Park and enjoyed meeting people from across the county. Doris spent countless hours volunteering in the community for causes she cared about, including serving many years at the community Thanksgiving dinner and helping both at the office and at the Designers’ Showhouse for ERC Resource & Referral. Doris was a member of Highland Heights Christian Church for many years, organizing monthly “Young at Heart” breakfast gatherings for the senior group, quilting with a group of other women, and getting together to play Bunco. She later attended Fellowship Bible Church with Reva and Phil.

Doris lived in her own home until 2019, when she moved into assisted living at Homestead of Topeka and later at Homestead of Auburn. The family is grateful to the staff of these facilities who provided her with such loving care during these years.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents George and Dora; husband Harold; siblings Helen Murphy, Bertha Anderson, Don Wood, and Anna (Ann) Crockett; and son-in-law Walt Wywadis.

Doris is survived by her two children, Reva Jo Wywadis and Phil B. Williams; grandchildren Becky (Mike) Hummer, Stephanie (Ryan) Wywadis Miller, Laura (Jonathan) Pederzani, Lindsay Williams, and Sarah (Shawn) Thomas; eight great grandchildren; and other extended family.

Services will be held at Penwell Gabel Mid-Town Chapel on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10 am. Friends will be welcomed by the family an hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to children’s ministries at Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615.