Emily A. Williams (nee Kaitschuk), passed away, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 81.
Loving wife of the late William J. Williams; dear mother of Donna (James) Marx, Theresa (Charles) Boville, Stephen Williams, John Williams; grandmother of 11; great-grandmother of 6; sister of Janet (David) Williams, Nancy (the late Frank) Beagle, Arnold (Trina) Kaitschuk and Sarah (Ronald) Greb; loving aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Emily and her husband Bill started Williams Tile and Marble Company, St. Louis, Mo., in 1976. Emily left her career as a pediatric ICU nurse to assist with their new endeavor. When Bill passed in 1986, Emily took over and remained President and CEO of the company until her retirement in 2008, with the distinction of being named Top Women Business Owner by Small Business Monthly in 1996. (Some notable projects completed during her tenure were Busch Stadium, Galleria Mall, and the historic downtown Central Library.) Upon her husband’s death, Emily also stepped in and fulfilled his term on the Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) Board of Directors; after which she followed to move through the chairs and was elected as the very first female president of TCAA in 1998. Emily remained active as a retired member of TCAA, serving as a judge on the TCAA Scholarship Committee until the time of her death.
Emily grew up in Campbell Hill, Illinois, and was the daughter of a Lutheran minister. As a result, she was a lifelong follower of the Lutheran Church. Most recently she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church serving on the Altar Guild, participating in a Christ Care Group, and playing handbells. Emily was an accomplished pianist and organist. Her passion for music continued as she attended, and volunteered for, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. In addition, she had been a Muny season ticket holder since the mid-1980s, a yearly tradition her daughters plan to carry forward. Emily was an avid traveler; highlights include vacations with her children and grandchildren, road trips with her siblings, watching the STL Cardinals play at Roger Dean Stadium, and attending the once-in-a-decade performance of The Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. She was a valued member of her close-knit neighborhood and served on the HOA board for many years. A generous philanthropist, Emily donated to various organizations that shared her Christian values.
Emily was most proud of her big, beautiful family who will fondly think of her when they hear classical music, attend a St. Louis Cardinals game, or see birds in their backyards.
A statement from the TCAA to its membership reads, “She was a very special lady who touched many lives and will be missed greatly. Our sincere sympathy and prayers go out to Emily’s family during this very difficult time.”
Following are several opportunities to honor and remember Emily:
- Services: Funeral service and visitations on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Rd, Town and Country.
- Visitation 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the Upper Room.
- Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon to follow.
- Visitation 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the church gym.
- Internment at Lake Charles Park Cemetery. Immediate family only.
- The family asks that memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Alter Guild or the Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) Scholarship Fund.
- Friends may sign the online guestbook at https://www.schrader.com/obituary/emily-williams
