Dr. Laurie Ruth Williams

Dr. Laurie Ruth Williams was born in 1963 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and was a native of Portage. She, throughout her lifetime, was a very unique and accomplished woman. Her education began with attending Portage Central High School and later Western Michigan University, gaining a master’s degree in public administration. Later in life, she attended Harvey Hester’s Bible School for 2 years, Calvin College for 2 years, and Regent University Law School for 2 years. Within more recent years, she became a graduate of a Bible School at the Empowerment Center in Portage. She also became certified for deliverance with Doug Carr and the Healing Rooms of Pathfinder Methodist Church. Finally, she earned her Doctor of Ministry at United Methodist Seminary, which she was very proud of.

Throughout her life journey, she worked for a variety of local businesses. After law school, she along with her mother established a ministry to the local church body called “Resurrection Body.” Through it they brought forth speakers from various parts of the world to encourage and grow the church body. They held prayer groups, retreats, and prophetic teaching. This organization is to be well noted and remembered within the Southwest Michigan region.

She currently served as an Elder at the Empowerment Center in Portage, in which she preached, lead prayer groups, and bible studies. While there, she conducted inner healing deliverance sessions and served administratively. Many lives were ministered to and set free. Alongside this, she served at the Healing Rooms of Pathfinder Methodist church, again preaching and touching lives, not just locally, but around the world. Through these ministries, she invested in the lives of others, moving with compassion for their needs. When lives were truly touched it brought a source of fulfillment to her spirit.

Toward the future she was looking to expand her ministry by writing books. She was a lifelong student, growing and learning, not just in the classroom but also throughout her life journey. Laurie also had a love for literature and this was reflected in her love for books. She also had great appreciation for great works of art and beauty. She demonstrated as well a love for world culture, having traveled to Europe.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was a foundational compass for her life and through it she became a shining inspiration to those around her. Her message of faith spoke gently and clearly to others, she truly was Jesus Christ’s hand extended to the world.

She is survived by her mother, Bonnie Williams; two sisters Heidi and Jennifer Williams; as well as a niece, Ashleigh (Brad) Garrod. She will be remembered by them for her strength of character and values as well as her sunny and joyous spirit. She was a visionary in life endeavors. She was one who always sought to put others above herself, striving to be a strong light of Christ in a dark world. She leaves a strong legacy, not just to her family, but the church at large. She will be greatly missed because she was greatly loved.

A memorial service will be held for Laurie on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 5:00 pm at Pathfinder Church, a reception will follow at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to Laurie's mom Bonnie Williams, and may be mailed to Langeland Family Funeral Home 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Please visit Laurie’s memorial webpage to share memories and condolences with her family at https://www.langelands.com

The Williams family wants to extend their appreciation to all whom gave through Pathfinder United Methodist Church. Laurie would be blessed to know of your care and giving.

May God bless each of whom gave.