It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Susan B. Williams, the former CEO of the Local Office on Aging, Inc. (LOA), who passed away on [Date]. Susan dedicated more than 27 years of her life to the LOA, leading the organization through historic milestones and changes that would leave an enduring legacy. Her tireless commitment to serving the senior community, her visionary leadership, and her advocacy for aging issues have made an indelible impact on the Roanoke Valley and beyond.
As the CEO of LOA, Susan played a central role in the growth and transformation of the organization. She was a catalyst for change and saw the potential to make a difference in the lives of seniors every single day. Under her leadership, LOA rebranded itself from the League of Older Americans to the Local Office on Aging, Inc., better reflecting the evolving needs of seniors and the dynamic services the organization provided. This rebranding, coupled with the improvements in services and facilities, marks one of her many lasting contributions to LOA and the broader community.
Susan was passionate about helping seniors live healthier, more fulfilling lives, and she believed in the power of community to support that goal. One of her most meaningful accomplishments was the introduction of case management services for seniors, which provided a much-needed support system for elderly individuals facing complex health and living conditions. These services gave seniors a voice, ensuring they had access to critical resources and assistance to live with dignity and independence.
Another significant achievement of Susan’s tenure was the securing of LOA’s first physical facility in the City of Roanoke. This milestone allowed the organization to expand its operations and better serve the senior community. Susan’s leadership and strategic foresight were key in creating a strong foundation for LOA, enabling it to grow and adapt to the ever-changing needs of an aging population.
One of Susan’s true passions was Meals on Wheels, a program that brings hot, nutritious meals to seniors who are homebound or have difficulty preparing meals on their own. Susan recognized the critical role Meals on Wheels plays in maintaining the health and well-being of seniors in the community. During her leadership, LOA was able to enhance the program and make it more efficient, ensuring that more seniors had access to these essential services. Susan also spearheaded the creation of LOA’s first major Meals on Wheels fundraiser, which initially began as “Lunch on the Lawn” and has since evolved into the well-known “Let’s Give Lunch” event. This event, which celebrates the mission of Meals on Wheels, continues to bring the community together each year, a testament to Susan’s lasting impact on LOA and the Valley.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Susan was known for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those around her. She was a world traveler and often shared stories of her adventures with her team at LOA. She made it a point to bring back souvenirs from her travels, always thoughtfully selecting meaningful tokens for each member of the staff. This gesture of appreciation and care extended to celebrating the birthdays and special occasions of her colleagues, always ensuring that everyone felt valued.
Those who worked with Susan describe her as a leader who was not afraid to face challenges head-on. Her office was adorned with a sign that read, “Challenge” on one side and “Opportunity” on the other. Susan embraced challenges and saw them as opportunities for growth and improvement. She was known to say, “Not on my watch!” when faced with potential threats to the services provided to seniors, demonstrating her fierce commitment to the cause and the people she served.
Susan’s leadership style was built on the principles of empathy, teamwork, and a deep understanding of the needs of the senior population. She was always approachable, always willing to listen, and always ready to support her staff, volunteers, and the families she served. She was a mentor, a friend, and a force for positive change in the Roanoke Valley, and her legacy will continue to shape the work of LOA for years to come.
The Board, Advisory Council, Staff, and Volunteers of LOA, along with the many families and seniors who benefited from her work, are deeply saddened by this loss. The community has lost a tireless advocate for seniors, and LOA has lost a beloved leader. The grief felt by the organization is compounded by the knowledge that Susan’s extraordinary contributions will be impossible to replace.
In a statement, Ron D. Boyd, the current President and CEO of LOA, expressed heartfelt condolences to Susan’s family and friends. “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Susan. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to the mission of LOA have left an indelible mark on our organization and our community. She was not only a leader but also a friend, mentor, and unwavering supporter of our work. We will forever be grateful for the legacy she leaves behind, and we will continue to honor her memory by striving to make the Roanoke Valley a better place for seniors.”
As the community mourns Susan’s passing, there are also countless moments of reflection on her legacy and the ways in which she touched the lives of so many. From her advocacy for senior services to her personal acts of kindness, Susan’s contributions to the Roanoke Valley were immeasurable. Her passion for helping seniors, her dedication to creating meaningful change, and her ability to inspire others will never be forgotten.
In honor of Susan’s memory, LOA will continue its work, pushing forward the values she instilled in the organization. Susan’s dedication to making a difference will forever be part of LOA’s DNA, and her legacy will live on through the lives of the seniors she touched and the staff she mentored. LOA will continue to work towards the same goals that Susan set out to achieve, ensuring that seniors in the Roanoke Valley continue to receive the care and support they deserve.
A memorial service to honor Susan’s life and contributions is expected to be held in the coming days. The family and the organization are working on arrangements, and further details will be shared soon. In the meantime, friends, family, and colleagues are encouraged to share their memories and reflections of Susan’s life, celebrating her remarkable legacy and the countless ways she made the world a better place for seniors.
To Susan’s family, we extend our deepest condolences. We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the impact she had on all of our lives. Susan’s memory will continue to inspire us, and we will carry forward the work she was so passionate about. Rest in peace, Susan B. Williams. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing you.
