Colleen C. Williford

Colleen C. Williford died peacefully on April 24, 2026, at the American House The Palms senior community in Ft. Myers, Florida. She was 103 years old.

Colleen was born on September 4, 1922, in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, to Charles B. Campbell and Bertie Lee (Hughes) Campbell. From all accounts, she was more than able to hold her own with her two beloved brothers, Charles B. Campbell, Jr., and Edward Gordon Campbell, both of whom predeceased her. She attended Kings Mountain Public Schools and later Flora McDonald College in Red Springs, N.C. It was here she met Hugh McLean “Mac” Williford, whom she described as “a nice looking, shy, young fellow and a perfect gentleman.” Soon after his enlistment in the 101st Airborne Division, they were married on January 23, 1943, in Columbus Georgia. While Mac was serving in Europe, Colleen spent time with family in North Carolina and Florida, and later went to work for the OSS in Washington, D.C. After the war, they moved often, first spending time in Radford, VA, where Mac was attending Virginia Tech. It was there that they welcomed their “dear little daughter” Barbara in 1950, and a year later, their second daughter Jan was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The young family went on to live in Galax and Danville, VA, then on to Burlington, Concord and finally Rocky Mount, North Carolina. After Mac’s sudden passing in 1999, Colleen moved to Ft. Myers, Florida, where her daughter Barbara resided. She remained there until her death, thoroughly enjoying the tropical climate, warm winters and orange groves she remembered from her youth.

In addition to her “dear” daughters, Colleen was the doting “grandmommy” of Maria McLean Meriwether and Catherine Anne Meriwether. She was also proud to be a great grandmother to Harlan and Josie Truitt, by whom she was constantly entertained.

Colleen was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church and spent many years singing in the choir. She loved music and had a God-given ability to play the piano and sing so beautifully. An avid reader with a knack for journalism, Colleen also loved to travel and write. Her sense of humor and wit were sharp, exemplifying her Scottish heritage. And she was often heard to say that anyone who didn’t like dogs couldn’t be trusted. She will be missed.

A Service to Celebrate her life will be held 2:00 PM Friday, May 1, 2026 at Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church, 400 N Fayetteville Street, Lumber Bridge, NC 28357 with Dr. Eugen Bach officiating.

Burial will follow in Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery.