Sharon Marie Williams
Sharon Marie Williams of Marshall, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 2, 2026. At just 60 years of age, she left this world after a valiant month-long battle with a severe viral pneumonia.
Sharon was born October 17, 1965 in Pontiac, Michigan to Robert E. and Joan E. Martin. A city girl with a dream of living on a farm, her dream came true when she met her [now] husband Todd Williams, when he showed up one day with his friend Doug Forraht (who is now married to her twin sister) to Sharon’s home in Sterling Heights.
Doug and Todd were visiting their friend, Jeff Maddux, who happened to live next to the twins, Sharon and Suzy. Jeff knew Doug and Todd were looking for romance and said, “You should meet my neighbors.”
There were immediate sparks, Sharon with Todd and Suzy with Doug. A first date was set – one that, to many, might seem inconceivable. Todd and Doug took the twins to Dave O’Daniel’s farm in Leroy Township. It wasn’t just a tour. Sharon and Suzy helped corral, vaccinate, castrate and process 400 piglets. Talk about immersing them in farm life! Any other girls would have walked–if not run– away, never to return from such a date, but not Sharon and Suzy. They were devoted to their vision of a life on a farm. They also came to recognize that the hard-working young men they had met would provide them not with an easy life, but a life of sincere commitment and unparalleled fulfillment.
Sharon completed her bachelor’s degree at MSU and not only worked on the farm but also supported it with off-farm income and crucial health insurance. She began an impressive career spanning numerous positions over the years, including working as a Nottawa Creek watershed coordinator, MAEAP technician, MSU cooperative extension, Farm Bureau agriculture labor department, Calhoun County drain office, and finally as a crop insurance adjuster. Sharon was a dedicated and capable worker and excelled in every position she held. Then, when she got home from work each day, she would head outside and work on the farm until dark.
Sharon loved life on the farm. She loved sunsets, searching for unique stones, maintaining the yard, gardening, and spending time with her dogs. She was skilled and efficient with nearly every piece of machinery on the farm. She loved to rake hay, pick up bales, cut firewood, and feed cattle. Sharon was a master trapper. She spent considerable time in the fields placing conibear traps to remove countless woodchucks– cute, furry, but also smelly and destructive creatures that decimated the farm’s soybean crop year after year. Her record was 137 trapped in one summer.
In addition, she kept records, paid bills, replaced the flooring in the kitchen, and completed many renovations and DIY projects. Sharon was a force to be reckoned with on the farm and likely did more work than the rest of her family combined.
Sharon had a heart for service and helping others. She spent many hours creating a model of the Albion ethanol plant, still used in Olivet FFA’s agricultural literacy day. For several years she planned and built the Olivet FFA exhibit in Floral Hall at the Calhoun County Fair, as well as volunteered at the Fredonia Grange Stand and Miracle of Life tent there. She consistently offered to judge at and train FFA students for contests. While her children were in school she could always be counted on for whatever was needed. Devoting limitless hours to these causes never phased her. Sharon was always ready and willing to help.
For all of those who knew her, Sharon was a ray of sunshine– a kind and caring friend who greeted all with a smile. She had an enormous heart for her family, friends, and anyone who was in need. Those who were lucky enough to know her knew they had someone who would listen, empathize, support, and encourage. In her professional life she engaged with her clients to such an extent that many became lifelong friends. She loved playing with and spoiling her grandson, Jasper, and her dog children, Tess and Bear. The trips she planned with family and friends were epic, memorable, and beautiful. The bonds Sharon formed with family and friends were strong. She was kind, compassionate and loyal. Anyone who knew her was better for it.
P.S. Sharon Williams, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, friend, farmer, and caretaker for her family, set the bar high. Her passing is a tragedy, if only because her life was extraordinary. Though she is no longer with us, she is branded in the hearts and minds of those closest to her. Life will not be the same without her in it, but the time she was in our lives will be forever cherished. We love and miss you Sharon, and know you are in a better place, now and for eternity. This is not goodbye, just see you later.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Joan Martin, and her brother Mike. She is survived by her husband Todd, children John and Anna, siblings Cindy (Dan) Gothard, Rick (Ruth) Martin, Steve (Amber) Martin, and her twin sister Suzy (Doug) Forraht, and her grandchild Jasper. She also has many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of her life is planned for March 21 at the Williams Farm in Lee Township (in the case of severe weather, it may be moved to the Lee Township Hall). A visitation will be held from 10 a.m., followed immediately by a service at 11:30 a.m., and then a luncheon. Memorial donations can be made to the Olivet FFA.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, and to share memories and pictures with the family.