Samantha Kay Williams, 66, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away on April 19, 2025. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Samantha brought color, character, and a fierce love of life wherever she went.

A true lover of all things New Orleans, Samantha had Zydeco in her soul and Mardi Gras in her heart. She lit up for parades, surrounded herself with fleur de lis, and never missed a chance to dance, laugh, or celebrate. Her spirit was undeniable—whether she was a warm presence or a force to be reckoned with often depended on your own attitude.

Samantha was the queen of spontaneous projects and colorful choices—one day painting the living room on a whim, the next installing a skylight that looked like a space capsule. Her creativity and boldness had no limits.

In true Samantha fashion, we celebrate not with silence but with song, laughter, and a parade of family and friends.

She adored her children, but when her grandchildren arrived, her heart found its truest joy. Known lovingly as YaYa, she let the grandkids run the show and made no secret of her devotion. In her eyes, they could do no wrong.

Samantha is survived by her ex-husband—who, truth be told, never could get enough of her—Eddie J. Williams. She leaves behind her beloved children: Edward (EJ), Christopher, Aaron, and Cara. Her grandchildren were her whole world: Charlize and Deus (EJ), Evie and Lennox (Chris), and Devon—lovingly known as "Ratman"—and Briana (Cara). She is also survived by her sister Sarah Alison (Ali) Kunze her husband Ron and a niece Maya and nephew Garrion.

She has joined the second line dance with those who went before her, including many beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She reunites with her mother, Agnes Skidmore, and her in-laws, James and Edna Williams. The smart talk commenced immediately—because sharp wit and humor were the family's love language, and Samantha fit right in.

As she grew older, Samantha didn't slow down—she became more herself. More fun, more fearless, more free. She was truly living her best life every day, and she made sure everyone around her felt alive too.