Carol Lynn Williams

**October 26, 1944 - January 8, 2024**

Carolyn Peterson Williams was a beacon of creativity and vivacity. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she later moved to Florida with her parents before settling in Houston, Texas, where she found her soulmate, Robert (Bob) Williams. Their 30-year marriage was a testament to love, dedication and companionship. Upon retirement in 1997, they made their home in Chula Vista, California, from where they embarked on numerous adventures across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.

Carolyn’s life was a tapestry woven with threads of artistic pursuits and profound passions. She had an unyielding appreciation for the finer things in life, from exquisite art to festive gatherings with family & friends. Her heart brimmed with affection for animals, especially her beloved cats and her miniature poodle, Dolly.

An artist in the truest sense, Carolyn’s talents spanned multiple disciplines. From her early days as a hairdresser to her later ventures as a carpenter, jewelry designer, and teacher, she mastered every craft she touched. Her enamel jewelry adorned with precious stones and metals was a testament to her meticulous skill and creative vision. Her spirit dolls garnered accolades, winning first-place awards at the Del Mar Fair. Carolyn's self-taught expertise extended to felting, tile making, seamstress work, molten art glass, and photography, each endeavor showcasing her boundless imagination and special touch.

Carolyn’s uniqueness was a signature of her being, a quality she proudly attributed to her experience as an only child. Her advice to children, “Stay true to your unique selves,” was a reflection of her own life's philosophy. A vibrant spirit, she often quipped about being “full of herself” yet remained a devoted friend and relative. Her talent as a cosmetologist kept her perpetually youthful, a characteristic she humorously captured in her timeless response to questions about her age, “49 and some months.”

Preceded in death by her parents, Cora and Harold Peterson, Carolyn was survived by her husband, Robert Williams, and a host of first cousins—Barbara Tessorerie, Thomas McFarland, Edward Racek, Dara Pilla, Edward McFarland, Donald Racek, and Richard Racek—along with many close friends.

Carolyn’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void, yet her legacy of beauty, strength, and artistry will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. We miss her dearly and cherish the indelible mark she left on our hearts.