Louise "Lou" Williams

Louise Beavers Williams, age 70, died peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2017, at her home in Newnan, GA, surrounded by family. Alice Louise Beavers was born December 3, 1946, to the late James Addy Beavers, Jr., and Alice Cotton Beavers. She was the granddaughter of the late James Addy Beavers, Sr., and Love Smith Beavers of Newnan and Douglas McCauley Cotton and Margaret Martin Cotton of Nashville, Tennessee. Lou grew up in Newnan, attending Newnan Public Schools. While at Newnan High School, she was a cheerleader for four years and captain her senior year; a Miss Empyrean contestant every year; Key Club Sweetheart; Homecoming Queen; class officer four years, and recipient of several Senior Superlative honors. Lou had beautiful, red hair, and Lewis Grizzard referred to her in his books as the “Red-headed cheerleader.” She was also Grizzard’s inspiration for Kathy Sue Loudermilk, a popular figure in his writings. As was said of Lou, “She has a twinkle in her sparkling eyes that always fails to hide the harmless mischief she has been up to.” Also “She is endowed with a personality whose warmth bubbles with friendliness.” Later Lou attended The University of Georgia, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education after which she taught elementary school for several years. While at Georgia, Lou met her future husband, John Bayless Williams. Lou and JB were married in 1968 and later had two sons, John Bayless Williams, Jr., and James Douglas Williams. They were members of the Newnan Presbyterian Church for many years. Lou loved athletics and was an accomplished athlete from the time she attended Athens Y camp at a young age. Later she was an avid tennis player and was a member of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association. Lou and JB frequently played mixed doubles together. In recent years, Lou became interested in golf and enjoyed frequent golf outings with old friends. When her children were young, Lou could often be found volunteering for various activities at school functions. After her sons married and left home, she delighted in sharing news of her grandchildren, her pride and joy. Lou is remembered for her caring nature and her kindness and generosity. In her early childhood years, Lou met four girls who would bond and become lifelong friends. These five girls, dubbed by Lou’s father as the “Fearsome Fivesome,” formed a sisterhood that made them inseparable even to this day. In doing so each discovered the joy of giving and being there for each other. This quality defined Lou’s life as she would often have a word of wisdom or do something thoughtful for family and friends. As one person said, “Lou doesn’t just have friends. She has an army of friends.” Lou’s last years were stressful due to the struggle with a terminal illness and losing her beloved husband. She endured these hardships with dignity and strength. Lou always worried about being a burden to others, but she set an example by facing obstacles with bravery, grace and beauty within. Lou is survived by sons, John Williams(Julie) and Jamie(Stephanie); grandchildren, Addison Beavers Williams, Catharine Louise Williams, Emily Louise Williams, and Mack Martin Williams; sister, Love Beavers Williams(Clark); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She has taken her bright candle and gone into a room I cannot find, but anyone can tell where she’s been, by all the little lights she’s left behind. Heartfelt thanks to our caretakers, Wandra Evans, Lakeitha Fryer, Darlene Howard and Viola Howard, who tended Lou with much love during her extended illness and to Homestead Hospice for their professional, compassionate care. Condolences may be expressed online to the family at www.mckoon.com The funeral service is Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, in Newnan with Dr. Harry Barrow & Rev. Susan Haynes officiating. Interment follow the service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Newnan. The family will receive friends Friday, July 28th at the funeral home from 3 PM until 5 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Lou’s memory to The Heritage School Tennis Program at 2093 Hwy 29 North, Newnan, GA 30263. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Louise "Lou" Williams

December 3, 1946 - July 24, 2017