Mrs. Carla Denise Williams

Mrs. Carla Denise Williams, 63, of Peoria, IL, transitioned to her heavenly home on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family. Carla Denise Williams was born on December 20, 1962, in Memphis, TN, to Louis and Fannie Mae Douglas. She married the love of her life Nathan Williams on August 30, 1986, with whom she shared 19½ years of marriage until his passing on April 16, 2006, in Peoria. Their marriage was built on love, faith, and devotion to family. Carla was deeply loved and supported by her bonus parents, Phillip and Gloria Meachem, whom she looked to as guiding parental figures throughout her life. Their love, encouragement, and support helped shape the strong and faithful woman Carla became. Carla graduated from Fayette-Ware High School in Somerville, TN. She later continued her education at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN and Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL. Carla dedicated many years of faithful service to Bemis Bag Company, where she worked diligently until her retirement. A woman whose life was rooted in faith, family, and perseverance, Carla accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Williston, TN. After relocating to Peoria, IL, she became a devoted member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Willie Williams, Sr. Carla faithfully served as an usher and worked diligently with the church’s food pantry ministry. She also took great joy in supporting church and pastoral anniversary celebrations and was always willing to serve wherever she was needed. Forever remembered with love by her two sons, Nicholas and Cedric Williams, whom she loved deeply and guided with strength and wisdom. She was also a proud and devoted grandmother. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and brought her immeasurable joy. A woman of deep faith and remarkable strength, Carla was diagnosed with cancer in her early thirties and courageously fought a long battle. Through every trial, she remained a living testimony of God’s grace and mercy, continuing to praise and glorify Him with unwavering faith that inspired all who knew her. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, tending to her flowers, and taking pride in keeping her yard and landscaping beautiful. She found joy in life’s simple moments, especially those spent with family and loved ones. She also cherished the special friendships she shared with Ibbie Voltz, Venus Cobb, and Letha Cagle. Carla’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and unconditional love. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of strength, devotion, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Carla leaves to cherish her memory her bonus parents Phillip and Gloria Meachem; two sons, Nicholas Williams and Cedric Williams; one brother, Harold Douglas; bonus sister, Cassandra (Charles) Tomes; bonus brothers, Phillip Meachem and Patrick (Briggett) Meachem; and grandchildren Jayden Williams, Kimmari (Mari) Bell, and Ezekiel Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, uncle, aunts, cousins, church family, and friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband. Funeral services will be held on at 10 am on Saturday March 14, 2026 at Peoria Friendship M.B. Church with a visitation one-hour prior at 9 am. Rev. Dr. Claude Russell, Jr., Pastor will officiate. Carla will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Carla Denise Williams

December 20, 1962 - March 5, 2026