Dr. Ann (Brooks) Williams

IN MEMORY OF: Dr. Ann (Brooks) Williams Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Dr Ann Brooks Willliams was born June 21, 1937 in Charleston, Illinois to Courtland George and Jesse Vernelle (Ashmore) Brooks. She was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Murphysboro as a Child and was married to William Arthur “Bud” Williams there on July 6, 1957. Her husband preceded her in death on March 6, 2003. She became a witness to the resurrection on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the age of 86. Ann led a wonderful life with a commitment to her Faith, Family, Friends and Country. She loved hiking, biking, river rafting, skiing, her book clubs, volunteering at Church and her Grandkids. She was a lifelong learner who always loved new ideas. She enjoyed lively, thoughtful discussions on any number of topics. She was always up for a new adventure like wakeboarding at 70. In her later years she could be counted on for renditions of the Illinois Fight Song or Army Air Corps March or a tap dance performance for her Century Assisted Living Family. Ann went to Murphysboro Township High School, where she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class and met her future husband Bud Williams as well as many lifelong friends. After graduation, Ann began nursing school in Texas, but returned to Murphysboro to marry before moving to Minnesota where Bud was in school. It was there that their first child Mike was born, before moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana for school, where their daughter Kathy was born. After Bud's graduation, they returned to Murphysboro where Ann went back to earn her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Southern Illinois University. Ann and Bud then moved their family to Wheaton, IL. Ann continued her education, receiving her Masters and Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Illinois. She specialized in Physiological Psychology, focusing on Vision and Perception doing extensive research work with multiple publications. She then joined the staff of Dominican University, where she rose to full Professor and Chair of the Psychology department which she retained until retiring in 1996. Ann loved the interaction with students, the teaching environment and friendships with valued colleagues. During her time at Dominican, Ann’s career took an interesting turn as she was recruited to be the Head of Psychological evaluations for an outplacement consulting firm, Lawrence and Allen. This opened up a whole new set of opportunities as she worked with some of the largest fortune 500 companies in the US and traveled from coast to coast on a regular basis. She truly enjoyed the business environment and met and worked with some great colleagues. Given her ability to work from anywhere before it was popular, Ann and Bud returned to Southern Illinois where they built a new home. They relished the time they had together reconnecting with old friends and enjoying the beauty of Southern Illinois, as well as hosting their family and friends for new adventures. They took opportunities to visit friends and family across the US and traveled to see the world. After Bud passed away, Ann continued her travels across the US and world. However, she was always happy to be back in Southern Illinois for some 17th Street BBQ, Cummares Italian Food or Sergios and a Margarita. Ann lived a very full life, she will be truly missed as she was an incredibly beautiful, loving and inspiring lady. She leaves to celebrate her life and love; her son, Michael (Beth) Williams of Breckenridge, Colorado; daughter, Katherine (Brian) Bushong of Wheaton, Illinois; grandchildren, Christopher (Lauren) Williams of Denver, Colorado; Daniel (Annie) Williams of Sacramento, California, Jessica Williams of San Francisco, California; Elle (Mark) Wilkerson of Stony Brook, NY; Sophie Bushong of Denver, Colorado; Eva (Adam) Schmillen of East Peoria, Illinois; Isabella Bushong of Wheaton, Illinois; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Karen Raines of Albuquerque, New Mexico; sister-in-law, Judy Williams of Ft. Collins, Colorado; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Sgt. Major William Brooks; Sister- in-Law Lawanda “Clutts” Brooks; brothers-in-law, Jim Raines and Jerry Williams. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at the First Presbyterian Church in Murphysboro on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Sam Foskey officiating. A reception will follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Funeral Home.

Dr. Ann (Brooks) Williams

June 27, 1937 - November 29, 2023