Anne Burford Williams

Anne Lillard Burford Williams, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the age of 93. A lifelong Baton Rouge resident, she was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church for seventy years. Born on March 12, 1931, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Anne was raised in a loving family in Tangipahoa. She graduated from Kentwood High School at sixteen, attended Southeastern Louisiana University, and then the Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, where she earned the prestigious Honor Pin, served as student body president, and was named Best All-Around student. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a neonatal nurse, touching many lives at Woman’s Hospital, but her true legacy was her devotion to family and friends.

When not raising her family, Anne enjoyed playing bridge with cherished friends, gathering with supper groups, volunteering at church, and pursuing her love of gardening and antiquing. Her bridge group of nine women met for fifty years, a testament to their enduring bond and Anne's competitive nature. Family was central to Anne’s life, and her love for them never wavered. She was a nurturing, supportive presence for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known for her warm hospitality, her legendary holiday meals were eagerly anticipated. Anne’s kindness, wit, and compassionate nature left a lasting impact on her family. In her later years at St. James Place, she was fondly called “Smiley” for her warm spirit and beautiful smile.

Anne is survived by her two sons, Richard Burford Jr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Dale (Donna) Burford of Shreveport, Louisiana; and her daughter, Susan Burford (John) Wilder of Dallas, Texas. She also leaves behind three stepdaughters, Becky Williams (Jim) Ellis of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Ellen Williams (John) Daniels of Greenville, Mississippi; and Jan Williams (Terry) Hill of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Anne’s legacy includes twenty grandchildren: Annie Burford (John) Philbin, John (Carly) Burford, Katie Allen Bourque, Brad (Jillian) Burford, Britni Burford (Brendan) Twining, Amy Burford (Ryan) Carrico, Todd (Christina) Burford, Jamie Schifani (Kyle) Saucier, Angela Schifani (Jason Bailey), Allison Wilder (Chris) Cook, John (Victoria) Wilder III, Adam (Katharina) Wilder, Rebecca Ellis, Paul (Meredith) Ellis, James (Mary Emrey) Ellis, Ellen Douglas Daniels (Chris) Alves, Win Daniels (Ross) Hester, Carter (Lauren) Hill, Laren Hill (Peter) Holzer, and David (Rachel) Hill. She is also survived by her sister, Audrey Fetter of Vero Beach, Florida; her daughter-in-law, Pam Burford, wife of the late Ted Burford; thirty great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Burford, M.D.; her second husband, W. Paul Williams; her daughter, Joan Burford Allen; her son, Ted Burford; her parents, Zula Kennedy Lillard and Richard Lloyd Lillard; and her brother, Richard Lloyd Lillard, M.D.

Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, on October 26 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., with a service to follow.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. James Place for their exceptional care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 529 Convention St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802, in Anne's memory.