Obituary: Constance Williams

Constance Williams

Minot, N.D.

Constance "Connie" Williams, 93, Minot, formerly of Towner, New Rockford and Scottsdale, Ariz., died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in a Fargo hospital. Family was by her side in her final hours.

Connie was born Sept. 25, 1930, in Minot, N.D. to Lloyd and Sophia Anna (Severson) Joyer. She attended Minot High School and graduated with the Class of 1948. She continued her secondary education at Minot Normal College.

She met her future husband while attending college. She was united in marriage to James Williams on Aug. 27, 1950, at First Presbyterian Church in Minot. They lived in Grand Forks, N.D., while her husband attended law school at the University of North Dakota.

They subsequently made their home in New Rockford, N.D., where James established his law practice. They were blessed with six children and a lifetime of memories as a family. Connie loved tending to her beautiful flowerbeds and a vegetable garden during summer months. She was an avid reader and felt blessed to be part of a book club with women she admired. Connie also was active in the First Congregational Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and serving others as a member of ladies' aide. She was a member of the Republican Women, PTA and Bridge Club. Our mother was the best cook! We have memories of a blizzard where we could not leave the house for a number of days. We were treated to gourmet French cooking and delicious desserts and pastries. Sad was the day when we had to leave the house again! Other pursuits involved children's activities, traveling to horse shows, designing parade floats and making clever Halloween and Kiddy's Day Parade costumes for her children. Music always filled the house, with one child or another practicing the piano, flute or French horn. Connie found the time to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree through Jamestown College. She was also talented in her painting and petit point projects which are prized by family members who have them on their walls. Connie always treasured her lifetime friendships made in New Rockford, holding them forever in her heart.

They moved to the community of Towner, N.D., in 1977, where she continued her love of reading, attending book club and caring for her lovely flower beds. She enjoyed all types of educational learning videos and had a special interest in and love for animals of all kinds. She led a junior boy scout troop, designed best-in-parade floats, and continued raising children still in the nest. She was also active in the First Presbyterian Church, Darner's Club, investment club and bridge club.

They moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., first as snowbirds, then permanently after James retired. They truly enjoyed their retirement years in the warm climate and visiting North Dakota in the summers. She loved chronicling the family history and ancestry in scrapbooks. James passed away Sept. 15, 2008, the same day as Connie did 16 years later. Connie remained in Arizona until 2020, when she returned to Minot to be near her family. She became a resident of the Wellington, now known as the Minot Lodge, where she continued to be blessed with wonderful relationships and care from staff.

Mother was always beautifully dressed and so full of class while she was raising children and caring for other family members. We will all miss her very much.

Connie is survived by her children, Connie (Kenneth Voegele) Williams, Bismarck, N.D.; Nancy (fiancé Mark Garcia) Williamson, Walnut Creek, Calif.; Mary Bell, Rugby, N.D.; Aimee (Kent "Sonny") Lehman, Rugby, N.D.; and Joseph Williams, Bismarck, N.D.; grandchildren Nicci (Chris) DeMarce, Jesse Hauser, Molly Green, Savannah (Benjamin) Davis, Matthew (Mari) Williamson, Corina Bell, Joshua Lehman and Leah (Nate) Kunde; great-grandchildren Gabbi and Chloe DeMarce, Gwendolyn Hauser, Effie and Cassius Green, Cru and Croix Kunde, Colt Bundy and Cameron Lehman.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; husband James; daughter Michelle Williams; infant brother Donovan Joyer and sister VeeAnn Backes.

Celebration of Connie's Life was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot with internment at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, N.D. Visitation was held one hour to the start of the service at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot, N.D.