Mrs. Carla Denise Williams

Carla Denise Williams, 63, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away on March 5, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 20, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Louis and Fannie Mae Douglas, Carla graduated from Fayette-Ware High School in Somerville, Tennessee. She continued her education at the University of Tennessee at Martin and Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois. She married Nathan Williams on August 30, 1986, and together they shared 19 and a half years of marriage built on love, faith, and devotion to family until his passing in 2006. Carla was also deeply supported by her bonus parents, Phillip and Gloria Meachem, who served as guiding figures in her life.

A woman of strong faith, Carla accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Williston, Tennessee. After moving to Peoria, she became a devoted member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as an usher and worked faithfully with the church’s food pantry ministry. She found great joy in supporting church and pastoral anniversary celebrations and was always ready to serve. Carla worked diligently for many years at Bemis Bag Company until her retirement. She faced cancer with remarkable courage after being diagnosed in her early thirties, remaining a living testimony of God’s grace and mercy throughout her long battle.

Carla is survived by her two sons, Nicholas Williams and Cedric Williams, whom she loved deeply and guided with strength and wisdom; her grandchildren, Jayden Williams, Kimmari Bell, and Ezekiel Williams, who were the light of her life; her brother, Harold Douglas; her bonus sister, Cassandra (Charles) Tomes; her bonus brothers, Phillip Meachem and Patrick (Briggett) Meachem; and her bonus parents, Phillip and Gloria Meachem. She also cherished close friendships with Ibbie Voltz, Venus Cobb, and Letha Cagle. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Nathan. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, and unconditional love will continue to live on in all who knew her.