Carol L Williams

Carol L. Williams was born on September 10, 1957, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. She was the youngest of five children born to Harold L. Williams (1918–2006) and Leota G. (Keitzman) Williams (1917–2012). Carol’s parents, along with her brothers David A. Williams and Randall E. Williams, and her sister Kaylene C. Williams, are laid to rest at West Templin Cemetery in Alta Vista, Kansas. Carol’s only surviving sibling is her brother, Ronald Herbert Williams, who resides in Portland, Maine.

Carol grew up in Topeka and developed an early passion for physical activity. As a child, she spent most days playing outdoors. In fourth grade, she began competing in fast-pitch softball, volleyball, and basketball. Along with her siblings, Carol attended Topeka Lutheran Elementary School, and all five children later graduated from Topeka High School.

Carol went on to attend Washburn University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation in 1981. Throughout her college years, she continued to compete in volleyball, basketball, and fast-pitch softball.

Following graduation, Carol spent four years living away from home in search of a greater meaning in life. She lived in Delaware and California and also spent six months in New York City. In 1983, she found that deeper meaning through a spiritual path of meditation, chanting, and selfless service that came to her naturally and effortlessly. She devoted the next four years to learning and practicing the discipline of yoga.

When Carol returned to Kansas in 1987, she completed her master’s degree in education. But after six years of “trying to love teaching,” Carol was pulled in a different direction. Having received Reiki training on both the East and West Coasts, she pursued a career in holistic therapies. She received training in massage therapy, additional energy therapies, and other modalities, and she began her career as a holistic therapist. Her full-time self-employment in this field began in 2002. This was the “hand in glove” that Carol had been seeking for her career.

Carol had a deep appreciation for the many wonderful people in her life. Whether through connections made in yoga, her holistic therapy clients and colleagues, golf friends and fellow enthusiasts, the music team and practitioners at her church, art friends at the Topeka Art Guild, or dear friends known for many years, Carol recognized the gift of these relationships. She was especially grateful to be part of a family whose closeness and meaning were beyond measure.

Carol believed that we are all students in this world—that life itself is a “school of life” where we learn, grow, gain wisdom, and strive for both human and spiritual excellence. Yet she also believed that our true home is not in this world.

Carol gave her very best in this school of life, and now she is Home.