Jane Louise Williams, a beacon of love, adventure, and dedication, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with dementia. Born on October 4, 1932, in the quaint confines of Wales Township, Michigan, Jane was the cherished daughter of Irene Pearl Parsons Mudge Moore and Howard Mudge. Her life was a testament to enduring love, strength, and a commitment to bettering the lives of others.

Jane's journey through life was marked by her passion for education and her unwavering dedication to her family and community. A proud Spartan, Jane earned her master's degree in special education from Michigan State University. Her illustrious career with the State of Michigan as a special education teacher, Assistant Principal, and Director of Special Education left an indelible mark on countless students, colleagues, and the educational landscape as a whole.

In 1948, Jane married the love of her life, Donald D. Williams (see obituary attached hereto), embarking on a remarkable partnership that spanned over 73 cherished years. Together, Jane and Don shared an insatiable zest for life, exploring the world through skiing, sailing, and dancing. Their passion for ballroom dancing took them on countless cruises where they not only danced but also shared their joy of dancing through teaching others on board. Their adventurous spirits even led them to bungee jumping in New Zealand and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Jane was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald D. Williams, and her son, Brian Ray Williams. Her legacy, however, lives on through her surviving children, Catherine Anderson of Lakeland, Florida, and Kevin Williams of Anchorage, Alaska. She leaves behind a loving family that includes her grandchildren, Sara Ferguson, Miles Anderson, Mindy Graham, Courtney, Dreydon Williams, Erik Williams, Brian James Williams, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A devoted member of the Episcopal Church, Jane's faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her. Her compassion extended beyond her professional life into her retirement years, where she and Don volunteered their time at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, leaving a legacy of kindness and service.

In their farewell, the family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Estates at Carpenter's for their unwavering care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice, honoring Jane's spirit of giving and compassion.

Jane will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, boundless love, and the joy she brought to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a dance, filled with grace, love, and a legacy that will forever be cherished.

Donald Dreydon Williams

Donald Dreydon Williams, 93, of Lakeland, Florida, died peacefully September 23, 2022, at Lakeland Regional Hospital after suffering heart failure preceded by Covid. His grandson, Miles, was by his side.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 14, 1929, the son of the late Dreydon and Marjorie (Burch) Williams.

Don married the love of his life, Jane Louise Moore, on November 20, 1948, and would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in November 2022.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Jane, are his children, Catherine of Lakeland and Donald Kevin Williams of Anchorage, Alaska; his grandchildren, Sara (Andrew) Ferguson of Key West, Miles Anderson of Lakeland, Mindy (Karl) Graham of Orlando, Courtney (Rick) Quillier of Port Huron and Lexington, Michigan, Dreydon (Kayla) Williams of East China, Michigan, Erik (Melissa) Williams, and Brian James Williams of Anchorage, Alaska; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Don was preceded in death by his son, Brian Ray Williams, and his brother, Clarence Williams. His brother Paul's death followed two months later.

Don's early life was spent in the city of Detroit where he helped with his father's dairy business. His family then moved to Capac, Michigan where they had a dairy farm. Don graduated from Capac High School and continued to farm and worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad as a carpenter. He married his soulmate Jane then joined the Michigan State Police and served in several towns throughout Michigan while raising his three children. He and Jane began taking college courses while living in Gaylord, Michigan. He caught the education bug and both he and Jane continued taking courses from Escanaba Community College while stationed in Gladstone, Michigan. They both qualified for full scholarships to Michigan State University where Don earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He accomplished this while serving full time in the State Police as an instructor at the training academy and supervisor of the State Capitol security force. He then attended law school at Cooley Law School, retired from the State Police, and began a second career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Ingham County, retiring after 15 years.

Don and Jane loved many outdoor activities, especially skiing, sailing, and traveling. They also loved ballroom dancing and performed at many community events. After retirement they split their time living in both Okemos, Michigan and Lakeland, Florida. Traveling and dancing on several cruises, they were invited to teach dance lessons on cruise ships in exchange for their accommodations. They also served as volunteers for several years at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.

Don was a devout Christian and a member of the Episcopal Church, most recently at Christ the King in Lakeland where he served as a lay reader.

The family would like to give special thanks to the many staff of The Estates at Carpenter's who provided loving care to Don and Jane over the past several years. Greatly appreciated is the hospice care that was provided by the Lakeland Regional Hospital nurses in Don's final hours.

A memorial for Don will be held by family at a later time yet to be determined.