Lola Williams

Lola Williams, 82, of Arlington, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, Illinois. 
 
As a young girl, Lola enjoyed singing and was part of a quartet with her sister and several other young ladies. Later in life, she and her first husband built a successful software business together, specializing in utility billing. During a time when computers were enormous, Lola worked with technology that included a computer that took up an entire room. After many years of building and operating their business, Lola returned to school in her late 40s to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), demonstrating her determination and willingness to follow her dreams at any stage of life.
 
One of Lola’s greatest joys in life was traveling with her beloved husband, Marvin. The two enjoyed riding their motorcycle from coast to coast, making an annual trip across the country each year. As they grew older, they continued their adventures in a motorhome, traveling from east to west and creating countless memories along the way. Their three dogs accompanied them on their travels, making their journeys even more special. Traveling together was their favorite pastime, and the adventures they shared were a treasured part of their life together.
 
Lola was also a talented and creative woman who enjoyed knitting and crocheting beautiful Afghans for others. She used her computer skills and creativity to make videos for weddings and funerals for friends and family, helping preserve special memories and honor meaningful moments in the lives of those she loved. Whether through her handiwork, her talents, or simply the warmth of her presence, Lola found ways to show others how much she cared.
 
Above all, Lola will be remembered for her loving heart, her outgoing personality, and the joy she brought into the lives of others. She lived a life filled with love, adventure, creativity, and cherished memories. Her kindness and the friendships she built throughout her life will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
 
Lola is survived by her husband of 28 years, Marvin Williams; three sons, Richard (Cathy) Carroll of Benton, Kentucky, Brad (Tina) Carroll of Benton, and Daniel Carroll of Benton; two sisters, Carol Barendregt and Teresa Orth; brothers, Lester (Deni) Willis and Kenneth Willis; her grandsons, Logan Carroll and Chaten Carroll; and several nieces and nephews.
 
She is preceded in death by her sisters, Barbara Carlisle and Helen Watson; one brother, Jim Willis; and her parents, Lester and Agnes Willis.
 
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell. Burial will follow at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery in Arlington, Kentucky.
 
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service time of 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.
 
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
 
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.