Linda Lou Williams' Obituary
Linda Lou Vandivort-Williams, born on March 6, 1942, passed away on December 29, 2025. She lived a vibrant, full, and boldly expressed life that inspired admiration and respect among all who knew her.
Linda graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1960, stepping into adulthood with the same confidence and resolve that would come to define her life. She lived loudly and unapologetically. Her style caught attention, her voice carried authority, and her presence lingered long after she left the room. Linda believed deeply in personal responsibility and integrity, often reminding those she loved, “You live by your choices,” and “The only two things in life you have are your word and your good name.” These were not merely sayings, but principles she lived by—standards that guided how she moved through the world and how she expected others to do the same.
Linda’s professional career spanned over 28 years working for the City of University Park as the Chief Deputy Court Clerk until her retirement in 2006.
Linda married Ronald J. Minner on June 2, 1962, and together they welcomed three children: David, Darrin, and Susan. Though their marriage ended after almost 20 years of marriage they remained great friends until Ron’s passing. She later married Hiram Wesley Williams Sr. on January 29, 1983. Their marriage endured for more than three decades and remained the defining partnership of her life. Hiram was Linda’s soulmate and the love of her life until his passing on January 27, 2014.
For her children, Linda was a steady and dependable presence—a mother who did not step back when the calendar said she could. In her eyes, being a parent was never a role you outgrew, but a lifelong promise. She remained fiercely invested, offering guidance, support, and accountability in equal measure. Whether through firm advice, quiet sacrifice, or simply showing up when it mattered most, Linda honored motherhood without hesitation or condition.
Linda was also a doting grandmother who delighted in spoiling her grandchildren excessively. Time spent at “Grandma’s house” was a joyful free-for-all where rules were happily left at the door, laughter came easily, and love was abundant. Her grandchildren knew her as someone who made them feel cherished, celebrated, and completely at home.
A gifted cook, Linda expressed love through food as naturally as through words. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, indulgence, and memorable meals, where favorites were prepared generously and often with flair. That same creative confidence extended to her chic sense of design and unmistakable personal style. Linda had an eye for beauty and detail, creating spaces—and a look—that reflected her bold personality, elegance, and self-assured taste. Whether through a perfectly prepared dish or a beautifully curated room, her touch was always unmistakably her own.
Linda held Christian beliefs that gave her comfort and shaped her understanding of right and wrong. Though she practiced her faith quietly and privately, it was something she carried within her—trusting in God’s presence and the promise of peace beyond this life. Linda is survived by her sons, David and Darrin Williams; her daughter, Susan Minner-Kring; her grandchildren, Lauren Williams, Darian Williams, and Tristin Minner; and her cherished great-grandchild, Sophia Wren Cohn. She is also lovingly remembered by her goddaughter and daughter-in-law, Madeline DuBose-Williams; her daughter-in-law, Sarah Williams; and her son-in-law, Davis Kring, all of whom she cherished and considered family in every sense of the Word.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hiram Wesley Williams Sr., and her parents, Albert and Louise Vandivort. Linda's legacy lives on in the strength she modeled, the standards she set, and the fearless authenticity she embodied. Her steady voice continues to echo in the lives she shaped, reminding us to stand by our choices and protect our good name.
Linda is deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. The family invites those who knew her to share their memories and condolences in honor of her life and legacy.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?