Lisa Kay Pettey Williford was born at 9:55 am on Sunday, December 8, 1957, in Marlin, Texas, to Leonard Dewey “Dub” Pettey Jr. and Carolyn Easley Pettey. She is a direct descendant of the Gunn Clan of Scotland through her paternal grandmother, Annabelle Robinson. The family first lived in Jewett, Texas, where her parents owned and operated several local newspapers. Her father also worked as a teacher and coached basketball. As her father’s career in education grew, their family moved first to Milford, then Rosebud, and finally settled in Waco, where Lisa attended first grade. Lisa graduated from Connally High School in 1976.

Lisa was a joyful, thoughtful little girl. She loved music, she loved to dance, she loved to read, and she was never shy about expressing her creative side. Her passion for bringing make-believe worlds to life was something she enjoyed with her sisters. Lisa, Lynne, and Susan spent many hours playing with their dolls and imagining adventures.

Lisa loved nature from the beginning. She enjoyed digging for worms to use when fishing with her Papaw Easley, or anyone else who was willing to take her.

At school, Lisa was a cheerleader, played basketball, twirled baton, and played the saxophone—and still found time to be an A student. She was recognized for her beauty and hard work, at 16, when she was named a Heart of Texas Tri-City Smile Girl—a title that fit her perfectly. She graduated from Baylor University in 1980.

Lisa was notoriously beautiful, both outside and inside.

A lifelong friend of hers said it never mattered to Lisa what someone looked like or how they dressed. She wanted everyone to feel included. Her friends also remember that she was captivating on stage, when performing in class plays. She enjoyed the spotlight, and she deserved it. She was effortlessly funny and intuitively sensitive. She dreamed of becoming an actress, and though she would have been a Hollywood star, she decided, with the encouragement of her practical parents, to pursue business, education, and a different kind of leading role as a mother. Her maternal presence and ability to be there for people were felt not just by her family but by her friends as well. We all knew that if you were distressed, Lisa would be there for you.

After college, Lisa worked for Tenneco in Houston, where she met Mike Williford. They exchanged wedding vows in 1983 and built a life together that was centered on faith and family. They raised four sons—Adam, Eric, Nicholas, and Cole—who were and are the great loves of their lives.

Lisa and Mike chose to educate their boys at home, long before it was common to do so. The values she instilled and the presence she provided to her children were things she was proud of, and something her boys will never stop benefiting from.

Lisa created beautiful scrapbook memories of each boy’s life. She never let a moment go uncaptured. Even in these difficult days, her presence is felt through it.

Lisa continued to educate herself, and after becoming a certified dyslexia specialist, she taught children in public and private schools. Her faith and passion for ministry were close to her heart. One of the ministries she treasured was teaching men in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to read. She believed that every person has worth, and she showed it outwardly by never giving up on anyone. Her students knew she cared about them, and many told her how much she had changed their lives. Their stories could bring tears to your eyes. Her work with these men is a prime example of her depth of character, and her ability to balance a fearless attitude with compassion and empathy. Where many people would have fears or doubts, she was not afraid, nor was she uncertain. She had an uncompromising moral compass; she never backed down from a challenge and never let fear keep her from doing the right thing.

Lisa made friends easily, was loyal to them for decades, and was always prepared to have fun. Her spontaneous, hilarious, sometimes outrageous humor was refreshing to all who knew her. This unique and special quality meant that she was always someone you could count on for laughter. She was always excited to be at neighborhood gatherings. As a young girl she hosted unforgettable slumber parties with her girlfriends; as a mother she helped her boys do the same with their own friends.

She never stopped nurturing others. As recently as the past few years, she taught kids in her Buffalo neighborhood to swim and welcomed them into her home year-round, and especially on holidays. She encouraged them in school and in life. This brought her great joy.

Lisa was a uniquely talented gift giver. She was thoughtful and observant in a rare and beautiful way. She consistently gave gifts that made you feel seen and appreciated. She spared no effort when decorating or preparing for family gatherings. She never failed to create a space where joy and family flourished—even if she herself was struggling. Lisa showed up for her people, and often in very big ways.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of everything she did. She loved God deeply and wanted others to know Him too. She quietly cared for people, encouraged them, prayed for them, and shared the hope she had found in Christ. She prayed fervently that her entire family would walk with Jesus and lived to see many of those prayers answered. Friends remember her steady faith. Even during difficult times, she trusted God’s Word.

Lisa thrived in her retirement era. She wasted no time, often spending her days fishing, hunting in Leon County, and making memories with her sisters. Even now, she has things on her to-do list: a deep sea fishing and beach trip with her sisters planned for August; her 50th high school reunion, which she had put immense effort and care into creating; and a new hog trap to be set up after spotting “hogs the size of cows!” near her deer stand, which is undoubtedly the most well-outfitted in the county. Lisa had game and was always ready to play! She wore the silly hat, put on the makeup and jewelry and fancy clothes. She was always ready to seize the day.

Lisa was also a well spoken political advocate who always stood up for what she believed was for the good of her country.

She treasured every opportunity to spend time with the children she adored. When her sons called her, she always answered. Any chance she got, she doted on Lynne’s grandchildren Zoe, Julia, and Tommy, making special trips to Houston to see them. Earlier this month, she spent two joyful days with the girls, swimming, shopping, playing and reading.

Lisa passed away on July 21, 2026, in Buffalo, Texas.

She is survived by her husband Mike Williford; her sons, Adam Michael Williford (Dr. Jessica Hokamp), Eric Cameron Williford, Nicholas Andrew Williford (Cassidy), and Cole Jameson Williford; her sisters, Lynne Pettey Daniels and Susan Pettey Donnell (Jeff); her nieces, Laura Huff and Allison Daniels; and the many children, family members, neighbors, students, and lifelong friends whose lives are richer because they knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Leonard Dewey “Bubba” Pettey III; her father-in-law, Jasper (Bill) Williford; her mother-in-law, Jean Williford; her brother-in-law, Pat Williford; and her sister-in-law, Janis Williford.

We remember Lisa for her joy, her loyalty, her generosity, her humor, and her immense love for others. She was the friend who made you feel welcome, the teacher who knew you would succeed, the wife and mother who poured everything she had into her family, and a remarkable woman whose unwavering faith in Jesus shaped her life. We miss her laughter, her encouragement, and her beautiful smile, but we rejoice knowing she is in the presence of the Savior she loved so much.

Lisa loved flowers, and the family welcomes floral tributes in her memory. For those who wish to make a memorial donation, contributions may be made to Jewett City Cemetery • PO Box 1014 • Jewett, Texas 75846

A funeral service celebrating Lisa's life  will be held 6 P.M., Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Interment will immediately follow in Jewett City Cemetery, Jewett, Texas. Prior to the service, a time of visitation and sharing of memories will take place from 4 P.M. until service time, at the funeral home.

Final arrangements are under the care and guidance of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.