Karen S. Williams, 42, Rockford, died Wednesday, August 27, 2014, in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident.

Born March 2, 1972, in Taiwan Taichung, daughter of Bennie L. and Ching-Pi Wu Williams. Karen graduated from Jefferson High School in 1990, received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois, her master's degree from Villanova and her juris doctor degree from the University of Baltimore.

Karen was a practicing attorney in the Chicago area for nine years before moving back home to Rockford. While in Chicago, she worked as a contract attorney in the litigation department at Shefsky & Froelich, Ltd. She was currently a certified arbitrator at the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of the State of Illinois. Karen was an activist and a high energy cheerleader in every aspect of her life. She served as president and member of the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League, an organization that identifies young professionals and develops them into future community leaders.

Karen recently moved back to Rockford to make a difference in her hometown community. She had aspirations to enter politics in the hopes of making Rockford a better place to live and work. Since returning home to Rockford, Karen was the founder of the Jefferson High School Alumni Association, creating and administering their alumni website, the J-Hawk Nest. Additionally, Karen created and administered the website, Growing Up In Rockford and was a member of the newly created advisory board of Midway Village & Museum Center. Karen excelled in numerous sports, being a member of the Cleo Soccer team, played softball and was an active member of Peak Sports Club participating in swimming groups, running groups and group fitness classes. She was interested in her family genealogy, her community and worked diligently to keep people connected to each other.

Survivors include her mother, Ching-Pi Williams; brothers, Bennie L. Williams III (Stephanie McCammond) and Kenny Williams; aunt, Barbara Coleman; and extended family members and many friends. Predeceased by her father in 2010; aunt and uncle, Lee and Blanche Colyer; and grandparents, Rosie and Bennie Williams. Visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home and from 11 a.m. until time of the service on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to the family. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.