Barbara Williams

Barbara Ann Miley Williams, 90, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025. She was born on January 26, 1935, in Glenmora, Louisiana, to Claude Nathaniel Miley and Eleanor Miley. Raised on a farm, Barbara's family later moved to Vinton, where she grew up and graduated from Vinton High School in 1953.

After graduation, Barbara began working as a secretary in the Lake Charles area, where she met the love of her life, Thomas Jasper Williams Sr. The two were inseparable and shared 44 years of marriage until his passing in 1997. Together, they built a beautiful life in Lake Charles and raised five children.

Barbara excelled in everything she did-as a wife, mother, and employee. She was a strong yet compassionate woman, always looking out for those in need, whether family, friends, or strangers. Though small at 5'2", she had a fierce spirit. Her grandchildren always sought to make her proud, not out of fear, but because she inspired them to meet her high expectations.

She managed Payless Beauty Supplies for over 20 years, earning the respect of both customers and colleagues. When she retired, the store's owner closed the business, knowing that without her leadership, it wouldn't be the same. Barbara was a playful, yet strong-willed woman who always made her stance known. She was selfless, devoted, and a guiding force to her family and community. For her, family was everything.

Barbara is survived by her sons: Thomas Williams (Melaney), Bryan Williams (Renee), and Carroll Williams (Paula); her sister Norma Jean Miley Hebert; her grandchildren: Vincent Williams (Tiffany), Andrea Gorum (Quinton), Christopher Williams (Jessica), Cody Williams, Carley Williams, Conner Williams (Amy), Jacob Williams (Ryan), Meredith Turpin (Logan), Morgan Williams, Lindsay Dubrock (Klint), and Austin Savoie Twiford (Josh); her 14 great-grandchildren; and her nephew Greg Paul Hebert.

She is preceded in death by her parents Claude and Eleanor Miley; her husband Thomas Jasper Williams Sr.; and two of her children Deborah Lynn Williams, and Pamela Christine Williams Savoy.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, followed by a private burial. Visitation will be open to the public on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, with a Cursillo Rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue Monday at 9:00 AM, prior to the service.

Barbara's legacy of love, strength, and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in peace.