Celebrating the life of
Laura Larimore Williams
April 13, 1960 - March 18, 2026
Laura Lee (Larimore) Williams, 65, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2026, in Savannah, Georgia. Laura was born on April 13, 1960, in Blytheville, Arkansas to Samuel Runyan and Sara Child Larimore.
Laura graduated from Blytheville High School in 1977. She then attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1981. After a year working in research, she entered medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, graduating in 1986. She completed a pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and afterward a fellowship in hematology/oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It was at St. Jude that she met her future husband, Roger Williams.
Laura and Roger were married on November 7, 1992. They moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in July of 1993 where Laura joined the faculty of UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital in hematology/oncology. Laura and Roger were eventually joined by two sons, Matthew and Ethan. Laura was a parishioner of St. Edward Catholic Church in Little Rock. She was active as a volunteer and school board member at St. Edward’s School, where her sons attended.
Laura was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and in 1996 entered private practice in general pediatrics. Her special love was caring for children with special needs.
As a pediatrician, Laura was a passionate advocate for childhood immunizations. She was a founding member and medical director of the Arkansas Immunization Action Coalition, a non-profit dedicated to improving the health of Arkansans through vaccine education and advocacy. Laura retired in December 2025 and was looking forward to traveling the world with Roger.
Laura was active in Boy Scouting for many years, beginning when her older son joined Cub Scouts in 2001. She and Roger spent many years as Scout leaders - helping staff Cub day camps and resident camps and helping to train other adult leaders in Scouting. For her service, she was honored by the Quapaw Area Council with the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver Award, and the Whitney Young Medal.
Laura loved traveling, gardening, sitting her back porch bird watching, and rooting for the Fighting Irish. She knew football better than most and could hold her own discussing the game with anyone. But most of all, she enjoyed watching her two sons grow up to be fine young men and being a part of their lives.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Roger; sons Matthew Stuart Williams of Longmont, Colorado, and Ethan Michael Williams of Madison, Wisconsin; brothers Greg (Jena) Larimore of Elberta, Alabama, and Chris (Aki) Larimore of Tokyo, Japan; nephews and nieces Clayton (Allison) Smith, Daniel Smith, Amanda Smith, Hana Larimore, and Noah Larimore; and her many friends, neighbors, patient families, and co-workers.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Edward Church in Little Rock, on Tuesday, April 28, at 10:00 a.m. A reception for friends and family will be held at the home of Scott and Amber Jones, 1910 S. Arch Street in Little Rock immediately following. A private inurnment at Cedar Grove Cemetery on the campus of the University of Notre Dame will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Arkansas Immunization Action Coalition, 417 S. Victory Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (www.immunizear.org/donate).
Roger, Matthew, and Ethan, I am so very sorry that Laura passed away so suddenly and so early in life. I know that she will be missed forever. May God comfort you in this time of grief.
- Wayne E Riley, Jr, Little Rock, AR
Dr. Williams was an amazing boss, coworker, and friend. I've worked with and for her for 16 years. She'll be forever missed and loved. She's taken care of all 3 of my children, my grandchildren, nieces, and nephew. My condolences to Roger, Matthew, and Ethan. I pray that God gives you comfort through this difficult time.
- LaKeisha Nelson , Oklahoma City , Oklahoma
Dr. Williams was more than my son's pediatrician. She was like family. She was apart of our lives for over 15 years. She will truly be missed. I don't think we'll ever have our meet a more caring, genuine, concerned doctor as her. My heart aches for the family. You all will forever live in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in love Doctor Williams.
- Taylor Family , Sherwood , Arkansas
Dr. Williams was truly an amazing boss and an even more remarkable person. I had the privilege of working for and alongside her for 10 years, including helping open River City Pediatrics. She cared for all of my foster and adoptive children, and later my first grandchild as well. She also took care of her staff whenever we were sick, she made sure we were nursed back to health with the same compassion she showed every patient. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in remembering her legacy. As it is written in Psalm 121 1-2, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord. She will truly be missed but never forgotten.
- Jeffries, Little Rock, Ar
Dr. Williams, we came up to give you a retirement present and you were busy and we ended up leaving it but didn't get a chance to give you a hug and I hate that we didn't. I was up all night thinking about you and crying. It's not very often. You find a doctor that is so dedicated, devoted, caring and loving oh and funny!! as you are. I thank you for taking care of not only My Son who's 30 now but also my daughter, who is 15 my two grandchildren and my nephew.. all of them expressed how much they loved you. You will be truly missed. Mr. Williams I'm praying for you and the remaining family because I know if we're taking it hard I know it has to be really really tough on you guys. Let God comfort you. Your community family loves you!!
- Conley, Taylor and Thomas , North Little Rock , Arkansas
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Williams. She helped keep our girls healthy for the last 22 years. Our last visit days before her retirement where she spoke about her boys and her desire to travel more. The community lost a wonderful physician and friend.
- Thomas and Jessica Mashburn and daughters, Romance, AR
We lost an incredible doctor in Central AR. Unwavering compassion for tiny humans and endless patience in every matter, big and small. She was so much more than a doctor in every sense, from her kindness and laidback bedside manner to her incredible experience and willingness to share that insight with parents in a way that was personal, straightforward, and relatable. What a privilege to have seen her in her final day at PrimeCare, and the glimmer of excitement she had for the next chapter. She will be truly, deeply, and unquestionably missed
- Morgan Rice, Sherwood, AR
My deepest sympathies to family and friends of Dr. Laura Williams! My kids and I loved her! She was one of a kind and one of the best! She took the best care of my children. She will be missed! Love and prayers for her family!
- Anita Johnson , Searcy, Arkansas
She was my kids pediatrician for a decade. She really helped my son with his asthma medicine. She will be missed
- Solona Lukens, Little Rock, AR
So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Dr. Laura. She was my son's pediatrician when he was a baby and then for a cousin of mine. Sending my condolences to the family
- Joyce Williams , North Little rock , AR
So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Dr. Laura. She was my son's pediatrician when he was a baby and then for a cousin of mine. Sending my condolences to the family
- Joyce Williams , North Little rock , AR
I am so saddened to hear of Laura's passing. We were college friends and kindred spirits having gone through organic chemistry together. Roger, and sons, please accept my deepest sympathy. She was an absolutely wonderful person. May the Holy Spirit bring you peace. Carole Trybus, ND class of '81
- Carole L Trybus, Perrysburg, OH
Roger, Matthew and Ethan: Words cannot express the tremendous shock, sadness and grief over the untimely loss of Laura. I have known Laura for over 50 years. We first met in Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) meetings in Arkansas. I was from St. Edward's Parish in Little Rock. Laura was from Blytheville. We served as CYO Leaders. We both were admitted and attended the University of Notre Dame. We, on occasion, would share rides to and from ND. Laura was a brilliant student who never lost her compassion for others. She was a proud member of the ND Marching Band- The Band of the Fighting Irish! Later Matthew and Ethan would follow in her footsteps as ND students and band members. Participation in the Irish Guard by the boys was also a significant accomplishment. After graduation, we went our separate ways. We later reconnected when Laura moved to Little Rock and attended St. Edward's Catholic Church. Her sons attended the parochial school there. They also played in the Catholic High School Band as I did. Those were fun times! I could not believe the provenance that brought our lives together again. Laura and Roger were integral members of our Notre Dame Club of Arkansas. I remember vividly when they hosted the legendary first -year chemistry professor - Dr. Emil T. Hofman at the Wiliams/ beautiful home. The last noteworthy event was the Coach Lou Holtz ND Club fundraiser held in conjunction with the Notre Dame at Arkansas football game last fall. The boys and I took a picture together. The last communication I had with Laura was her email stating that she and Roger could not participate in this year's Little Rock St. Patrick's Parade on March 14th because they would be out of town. Roger informed us of the tragic event that occurred on March 18th on their trip. We will greatly miss Dr. Laura Williams! May Laura Rest in The Peace of Christ with her parents and all of our Loved Ones who have Ascended to Heaven. " .. and our Hearts Forever Love Thee Notre Dame!" Reginald Rogers St. Edward's Catholic Church and School, (Class of 1973) Little Rock Catholic High Class of 1977, Notre Dame Class of 1981
- Reginald A. Rogers, Little Rock, AR
She was my five sons doctor when she worked at the clinic in Jacksonville Arkansas till they were grown she was a great doctor so sorry for y'all loss
- Judy Lloyd, Byhalia , Mississippi
We first met Dr. Williams in a Saturday clinic before a trip. She listened to me and it showed. I told my husband I didn't care where her clinic was, but she was our new pediatrician! Our boys were 1 and 3 at the time and she took care of them until they were too old to see her anymore. We adored her and she will be greatly missed!
- Lizbeth Huggins, North Little Rock, AR
We been with you for a long time dr Williams we will miss you and we love you LLDRW
- Eli and Morgan and Diann and Billy , Jacksonville, Ark
My deepest condolences to family of Dr.Williams she was a Amazing DOCTOR she loved on me and my children and for that I will always be grateful no matter where she moved her clinic we would was there oh wow this just breaks my heart
- Nikki Jefferson , North little rock, Arkansas
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
