Garnett Eileen Thompson Williams

Garnett Eileen (Brown) Thompson Williams, age 101, formerly of Beverly Shores, Indiana, passed away peacefully due to natural causes on Tuesday, July 12, 2023, in San Antonio, TX.

Garnett was born on March 4, 1922, in Huntington County, Indiana, the daughter of J. Clayton and Esther Luella (Ziegler) Brown. She was a 1940 graduate of Huntington Township High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Wayne State University, a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame, where she was one of the first female graduates, and also attended Huntington College and the University of Michigan.

Garnett married David B. Thompson on May 15, 1941, in Huntington who preceded her in death June 30, 1990. Her second marriage was to Floyd A. Williams on November 29, 1978, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2001. She also had a special friend, Cecil Hyde, who was a loving companion and preceded her in death on January 29, 2017.

Garnett taught for many years in the Detroit area, as well as in South Bend and Michigan City, Indiana and went on to be a Counselor. After retiring from the Michigan City School Corporation, Garnett and Floyd enjoyed traveling including trips to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland and many additional countries in Europe. They also enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Lake of the Woods, Canada.

Garnett was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Michigan City, IN; the Vivians chapter of the Elks of Michigan City; Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; Dunes Women's Club; and the local chapter of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). She was an avid supporter of the University of Notre Dame Football team and thoroughly enjoyed her season tickets which she had for over 50 years. Garnett was also a proud member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Survivors include one son – Sam Thompson of San Antonio, TX; one sister – Carol Lauterbach of AZ; three grandchildren – Julie Thompson, Dee Stock (Mike), Sam Thompson (Lisa) Thompson; five great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two step-sons Ralph T. Williams and John Williams. Her parents, husbands, daughter, Marjorie Beth Thompson, brother Max C. Brown and sister Helen (Brown) Kreiger-Ziegler preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at a future date and her final resting place will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Huntington, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Notre Dame. Please direct your gift to Rockne Athletics Fund in memory of Garnett B. Williams. Gifts may be made online at giving.nd.edu, by phone at 574-631-5150, or by mail: University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.