Carletta Jean Smith-Williams

Carletta Jean Williams Obituary

Carletta Jean Williams (Bunny) went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 17, 2016. She passed away peacefully at her home in Twin Falls, Idaho at the age of 80.

Carletta Jean was born on June 15, 1935 to Otto and Ida (Farmer) McGehee in Alpena, Arkansas. Carletta’s early life revolved around family, church, school, and singing where she grew up in a small town in Greenfield, California. At the end of her freshmen year, Carletta’s family moved to Howe, Idaho. Carletta graduated from Butte High School in 1953 where she was the editor of the school annual staff, which enabled her to win a scholarship to Utah State University. Carletta married Bill Williams of Twin Falls, whom she had known as a family friend most of her life. Carletta and Bill were blessed with two sons, Rex Allen and Jeffrey Kyle, and one daughter, Anna Kay.

Carletta had a very successful career. Carletta served as the President and Director of the YWCA, and headed the insurance department for the Twin Falls Clinic & Hospital. Carletta was a top achieving realtor for over 40 years in San Diego and Twin Falls. She won many awards and was nationally recognized for her impressive accomplishments. When asked by other realtors what her secret to success was, Carletta explained that she loved people, understood and cared about their needs, and always put them first. As a result, Carletta made many lifelong friends who she cherished.

Carletta had a gorgeous voice and was a talented pianist and guitarist who loved to perform. When Carletta was 11 years old, her dad bought her a Gibson guitar, her Aunt Mary taught her a few chords, and Carletta discovered her God-given talent. Carletta enjoyed singing gospel and country music, especially to her grandchildren, who endearingly called her “Bunny.” Her musical passion, talent, and appreciation have been inherited by her family and will live on for generations to come.

Carletta had a strong desire to give back to the community. She founded and was President of “The Magic Valley Country Music Association” and produced a country music show for charity over 14 years. She cooked meals for the sick, gave generously to those in need, and supported many organizations.

Carletta had a love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Her warm hospitality ensured no one would leave her home hungry. She was known for her Southern-style fried chicken, potato salad, Sunday roasts, homemade soups, and delicious cream pies. Carletta’s favorite pastimes were gardening, growing beautiful roses, playing with her dog, reading, politics, and traveling extensively around the world.

Most of all Carletta enjoyed spending time with her beloved family and friends. A devout Christian, Carletta spent many hours reading her bible and was well-versed in scripture and theology. She was involved in various Christian organizations throughout the years and had unyielding faith.

Carletta is survived by her husband, Bill Williams, children Rex (Karla) Williams, Jeff (Shelley) Williams, Anna (Dr. Clinton) Dillé, sister Gilma Terherst, ten grandchildren, Tara (Brent) Rowland, Rachel (Matthew) Baggett, Michelle (Ashley) Smith, Brandon (Jennifer) Williams, Jessica Williams, Brock Dillé, Bridget (Erik) Loen, Ashley (Bradley) Visser, Chase Dillé, Chelsea (Jack) Hamilton, and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, brother, Kyle McGehee, and grandson, Derek Grant Dillé.

Carletta was beautiful both inside and out. Her outgoing personality, charisma, big smile, and bright spirit touched all those she met. Carletta was admired and loved deeply, and she will be missed dearly.

The viewing will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 12PM at the Twin Falls Reformed Church followed by a service at 1PM and interment at Sunset Memorial. A reception at the Twin Falls Reformed Church will follow the gravesite service.                              

Carletta supported numerous national, state, and local charities. Memorials may be made to one of your favorite charities or to one of Carletta’s: Valley House Homeless Shelter, Twin Falls Reformed Church, or The William J. and Carletta J. Williams Scholarship Endowment in memory of their grandson, Derek Grant Dillé (c/o CSI Foundation, P.O. Box 1238, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238).