Louise Callenius Williams

LOUISE CALLENIUS WILLIAMS (1926-2024)

Louise “Sister” Callenius Williams, 98, longtime resident of Slaughter, La., passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 14, 2024, in Zwolle, La.

Born January 4, 1926, Louise resided in Slaughter for most of her life, working as a switchboard operator for Southern Bell and an avid homemaker. She flourished in her domestic life, earning a reputation as a wonderful baker as well as a seasoned, green-thumbed member of the Slaughter Garden Club. Louise was known for her sense of humor and loved to joke with everyone around her, including babies and children of all ages, who loved her universally. 

For many years, she was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clinton, La. During Louise’s residence at various nursing homes in the latter part of her life, Zion Pastor McIntyre visited her on many occasions, despite the lengthy drive. She looked forward to his visits, taking comfort in his company as well as the spiritual guidance he provided her. Special thanks are in order for Pastor McIntyre’s faithful efforts over the years.

Louise’s loved ones also would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff members at Toledo Retirement and Rehabilitation in Zwolle for their exceptional care and for always keeping her laughing; to her Primary Care doctor, Dr. Peter Lau of DeSoto Regional Rural Clinic in Zwolle, for his outstanding medical care; and to Hospice of Natchitoches, La., for their excellent caregiving and love. There are no words to adequately convey the family’s appreciation for the extensive efforts of these individuals during the sunset of her life.

Louise is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Rita Williams of Zwolle; grandson, Jason Williams of Slaughter; granddaughter, Johnette Williams Troyan (James) of Rock Hill, S.C.; great-granddaughters Natalie Samantha Troyan and Jamie Noel Troyan, both of Rock Hill, S.C.; and many other special friends and family members, including Mackie Culpepper, Ruth Woodard, Sue and Mac Clayton, David and Fran Hooge, Sharon and Mark Rushing, Gladys and Wayne Pearson, Dian Devine, Walt Jr. and Sandy Callenius, Debby Callenius, and Paula Callenius.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, H.E. “Mike” Williams of Slaughter; her mother, Anna “Miss Annie” Hooge Callenius of Slaughter; her father, William “Mr. Willie” Albert Callenius of Slaughter; her brother and sister-in-law, William “Tena” and Chela Callenius of Slaughter; her brother and sister-in-law, Walt “Yo-yo” and Elaine Foster Callenius of Clinton; her nephew, Bill Callenius of Florida; and her cousins, Dorothy “Dot” Barkley of Zachary, La., Herman “Peewee” Hooge of Clinton, Butch Hooge of Clinton, and Eddie Hooge of Texas.

Visitation will be held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11007 Plank Rd, Clinton, La., 70722, on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Inurnment will take place at the Redwood Baptist Church Cemetery, LA-412, Slaughter, La., 70777, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.