Obituary

Christa Williams, born on May 21, 1964, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, passed away on August 15, 2024 surrounded by her family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. Christa was our leader, family, and dear friend. Christa’s life was marked by her dedication to her profession, her love for her alma mater, and her passion for life.

Christa is survived by her partner of 14 years, Lula V. Daniel, and Lula’s children who Christa loved as her own, Zachary, Rachel, Elizabeth and Kenneth. In addition Christa is survived by her father and mother Johnnie and Maxine Williams, sister and brother-in-law, Charity and Jamie Tolbert, nephews Ryley and Makena (wife), and Kasey Tolbert, and an abundance of loving Uncles, Aunts, and cousins.

Christa was a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her B.S.N. in Nursing in 1988. During her time at UNC, she was an active member of the university’s marching band, known as the Marching Tar Heels. Her love for the Tar Heels extended beyond her time as a student, as she remained a dedicated supporter of UNC athletics, a member of the Rams Club, and a financial contributor to the Marching Tar Heels.

Following her graduation, Christa embarked on a remarkable 36-year career at UNC Hospitals. She began as a staff nurse and quickly advanced through the ranks, serving as a Clinical Nurse 4, Supervisor, and eventually a Patient Services Manager. Her leadership spanned several inpatient units, including Urology, Surgical Intensive Care, and Neurosciences Intensive Care. She served as the Chair of the Transplant Committee and also played a pivotal role in the development of the Adult ECMO program in the Surgical/Trauma/Transplant Intensive Care Unit, a significant achievement that benefited countless patients.

Christa was known for her exceptional management skills, her commitment to mentorship, and her multidisciplinary expertise. She championed a team-oriented approach to patient care, ensuring that every patient received the best care from all members of the healthcare team. Her staff and patients alike admired her for her compassionate and patient-focused leadership.

Outside of her professional life, Christa found joy in the great outdoors. She loved fishing, hiking, and traveling, and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Tar Heel State, from the mountains to the coast. Whether exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains or enjoying the beaches along the coast, especially Bald Head Island, Christa cherished every corner of North Carolina. And of course, she never missed an opportunity to cheer on her beloved Tar Heels.

Christa also had a lifelong love for animals, a passion that remained with her throughout her life. In her final days, she was comforted by her loyal companions, Maddie Lou Grace, her Maltipoo, and Jelly Bean, the cat.

Christa Williams leaves behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and excellence in nursing. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will continue to inspire those who carry on her work and share her love for life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a cause that was dear to Christa’s Heart:

• The Marching Tar Heels, of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Memo Line #101246 in honor of Christa Williams, PO Box 309 Chapel Hill, NC
• Amedisys Hospice  of 100 Europa Dr Suite 330 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

A memorial service will be held at the Blue Hill Event Center in Chapel Hill, NC.  Blue Hill Event Center: 200 South Elliott Rd Chapel Hill, NC 27514 at a date to be determined.

Additionally, a private graveside service will be held at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain, NC, Christa‘s hometown.