Linda Lou Hayes Williams (nee Williams) passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at the age of 99 years. Linda had a full life, born and raised in Carmi, IL, married 20+ years, a widowed single mother 20+ years, married again 20+ years, and widowed again 12 years.
Linda was a lifelong learner, voracious reader, who loved words, birds, plants, antiques, good conversation, and her family. She was an excellent ballroom- and square-dancer, a member of the White County Historical Society, DAR, and Carmi Kiwanis. Linda enjoyed extensive travels throughout the U.S.A., Canada, Central America, and Europe. She was a joyous person, kindhearted, and generous of spirit, who was loved and admired.
Mrs. Williams is preceded in death by her husbands, Billy Frank Hayes (d.1967) and Charles O. “Bill” Williams (d.2014), her parents Robert and Gladys Williams, two sisters Rebecca Ackerman and Jerry Patterson, and one grandson. She is survived by sister Robyle Foster, son Patrick Hayes, son and daughter in law, Robert and Rae Lynn (nee Burns) Hayes, daughter and son in law, Linda (nee Hayes) and Scott Pugsley, as well as six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
The family will hold a private memorial on a future date. Roberts and Cook Funeral Service in Carmi was entrusted with arrangements.
