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Susan Williams Obituary
February 19, 2025
During the early morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Susan Burks Williams was taken from us and joined her husband of 53 years exploring the cosmos. While finding answers or making sense of a tragedy seem the most appropriate next steps, we instead choose to focus on the amazing woman our mother was for 80 years, finding deep comfort that she is finally with her soulmate.
Mom spent her life in service to those less fortunate, the forgotten and the underserved. For 32 years, she was the Executive Director of the League of Older Americans, and she remained a fierce advocate for the elderly in her retirement.
For 55 years she raised and mentored two boys, turning them into men by instilling values and a sense of purpose that our responsibility to do good deeds goes well beyond our immediate families and must impact the larger communities we inhabit.
Our world view and approach to life has been shaped by a strong, passionate woman and we would be much lesser men without her influence. Mom's home was filled with birthday and holiday cards and gifts, all wrapped and written, months earlier than needed. At the time of her passing, mom was at least 90% ready for Christmas 2025.
Mom was active in the community, volunteering at local elementary schools and Christ Episcopal Church. She also loved to deliver the paper each morning to her fellow residents and would leave detailed notes for whoever needed to cover when she traveled. To the amazing women of her club, there is very little that our mother enjoyed more than your comradery and friendship. Thank you, we are so grateful to each of you. To her many "sisters" including Anna, Laura, Rose Beverly, Diane, and Mimi, your relationship with mom was profound and she loved you to her core.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Williams and is survived by her son, Dr. Trenor Williams and his wife, Sara, and Adam Williams and his wife, Dr. Talena Williams; her sister, Nancy Bruce McGuire and her children, Maggie, Katie and Burks; her grandchildren, Emma, Charlotte, Tyson and Stella; and her longtime friend and caregiver, Danny Harig.
A visitation service will be held at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 318 Church Ave., Roanoke, on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. Her funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the RAM House, the Bradley Free Clinic or the Southwest Virginia Food Bank. Condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.
Oakey's Funeral Service - Roanoke Chapel
Downtown Roanoke, VA (540) 982-2100
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Williams
Sponsored by Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel.
Sunnye Smith
September 24, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, as I came upon the article relating to your moms after having been viewing another article online. This is so tragic that this angel child was taken away, yet the comfort comes from knowing that she´s returned home and reunited with those that have been awaiting her return to them. She was just on borrowed time to the world and based on what I´ve read thus far, Ms Susan is an amazing rendition of the good that occurs amongst all the wickedness! Ms Susan, say hi to the Big Man for me my moms and older sister too yea yea yea, just tell everyone I say "Hola lovely people!"
Tim Ashton
September 16, 2025
My son Nathaniel, far away in Denver, came across the sad news. My wife Gretchen, who was director of the Voluntary Action Center, RVCCS, diminished and died in early March of 2024 with a dementia diagnosis.
I remember Susan as my wife's guide and friend in council related work: Susan helped the fast talking New Englander figure out local culture succeed gracefully and come to love the Valley.
Janet Garland Lyon
March 4, 2025
I have seen what a special lady she was and it breaks my heart that she´s left this world.
My sympathies are with you, family. Jan Garland Lyon
Jan Garland Lyon
March 4, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jan Garland Lyon
March 4, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Cheryl Evans
February 28, 2025
To the Williams family. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers. I met Susan many years ago when she was a force behind LOA. She had a beautiful smile and was serious and witty. She made an impression on me. May God bless each of you; Susan has her wings.
Jackie H. Stanley
February 28, 2025
We describe Susan as a saintly woman who was a kind, compassionate, and dedicated friend and public servant. What an outstanding role model she was in terms of following Jesus' mandate to love and serve one another! May God provide strength and comfort as you cope with the tremendous void you now experience in your lives.
Stephen and Jackie Stanley
Whitney Feldmann
February 27, 2025
I remember Susan as a young woman and devoted Director of LOA. To me she exemplified a strong woman who was devoted to service and helping others. My father, Leigh Hanes, when retired served as legal counsel on her Board. He often expressed his great admiration for Susan and her devotion to the
elderly. Her lovely obituary captures her spirit and legacy.
Pat H Davidson
February 26, 2025
I knew Susan professionally for many years, at CCS and then at LOA. Your lovely obit captured the essence of her life and legacy to legions in the Roanoke Valley. She had a service heart and was a caring advocate for the underserved and a wise role model for others in the service field. I am saddened for her family and friends. Blessings and peace to you all as you mourn your loss and celebrate Susan's incredible life.
Stevie Long
February 26, 2025
My feisty, smart, well read and strong friend, You are missed and loved by all at the Fairfax and Spafit. I wish you would just drop by to talk. Rest in peace. Stevie
Cheri Hartman
February 25, 2025
I admired Susan Williams for her unwavering advocacy - smart, dedicated, hardworking and effective. May her amazing legacy comfort her family and friends.
Ruth McCulloch Sigler
February 24, 2025
Susan was my first cousin, and though geography dictated that we could not have much time together, we kept in touch and she was always an inspiration to me. The lovely obituary captured so much that I deeply admired about her. My deepest condolences to her sons and grandchildren. She will be sorely missed.
Dan Owen
February 24, 2025
Susan was a dear friend for more years than I can count.
She will be sorely missed.
My love and blessings to all of her family and her other family of friends.
Tracy (McNulty) Thornton
February 24, 2025
Hurting with all of my family members. Susan was so beloved.
Ellen Bradley
February 23, 2025
Susan and my mother, Jenny Bradley, who passed away in 2023, were colleagues and friends for many years. I know that my mother had great admiration for Susan and her many accomplishments on behalf of vulnerable residents of the Roanoke Valley. Susan leaves behind a legacy of caring and service that will be remembered for many years to come.
Debbie (John) Price
February 23, 2025
I grew up with Kay so I got to watch the courtship of Susan and Ray. They were a great couple always on the go.Susan was small in stature but could handle her big teddy bear Ray with no problem. They had a long happy life together.
Christine Brandon
February 23, 2025
Offering Deepest Condolences, Sympathy For Ms. Susan Williams Family and Friends
Joy Carter
February 23, 2025
I worked with your Mom at LOA and it was an honor to know such a wonderful woman. I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP now Susan with your husband. Love, Joy.
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