Susan "Muffin" Kable Williams

Susan “Muffin” Kable Williams, a radiant soul whose life was a tapestry woven with adventure, family devotion, and artistic flair, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, in Fairfax, Virginia. Born on June 25, 1947, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, she carried with her the spirit of a world traveler and the warmth of a deeply loving mother, wife, and daughter.

Susan entered this world as the third of six children to Dr. Charles Kable and Muriel Waltz Kable. Her early years unfolded in Westminster, Maryland, surrounded by the laughter and camaraderie of siblings and close-knit family. Though several of those dear to her—her parents Dr. Charles Kable and Muriel Waltz Kable; brother Charles Kable; and sisters Margaret “Meg” Tibbs and Martha “Dolly” Kable—have since passed on, her memory remains vivid and cherished by those who survive her.

Her youth was marked by a profound curiosity about the world beyond her doorstep. In 1965, Susan embarked on a transformative journey, living for a year in Japan as an exchange student through a church program. This chapter, etched deeply into her identity, unveiled a second home and an enduring love for Asian culture. Her fluency in Japanese and affection for the country shaped much of her later life and was inspired early on by stories from a neighbor who had traveled to China. This initial spark blossomed into a lifelong dream fulfilled in 2005, when Susan stood in awe upon the Great Wall of China, a moment emblematic of her adventurous spirit.

Susan's academic pursuits led her to the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in Geography, a field as expansive as her dreams. Her expertise found a home at the Library of Congress, where she dedicated about a decade to the geography and map division, contributing to the preservation and understanding of our world’s landscapes and histories.

In 1979, Susan married Jeffrey Williams, her partner and confidant, who survives her alongside their two beloved daughters, Emily Williams Roe and Cresson Williams. Family was the cornerstone of her world, and she embraced motherhood with boundless love and joy. This profound dedication extended to her grandchildren, Ethan West, 23, and Christopher Roe, 9, who carry forward her legacy of warmth and laughter.

Beyond the roles of scholar and family matriarch, Susan was a creative force. During the 1990s, the City of Alexandria’s Farmer’s Market on King Street came alive with her artistry. She designed, crafted, and sold whimsical aprons, pillows, and colorful women’s pants that quickly became local treasures. Her feed-sack aprons, a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, were notably popular, even adopted by a local deli for their employees, spreading a little piece of Susan’s charm throughout the community.

Susan’s culinary talents were equally exceptional. She took pride in her kitchen mastery, crafting delicious meals and delectable baked goods with a touch of love imbued in every dish. Notably, she baked her own wedding cake, a personal testament to her skill and spirit.

Her keen sense of humor and kind heart resonated with all who knew her. Susan’s laughter was a familiar melody, a balm in times of need, and a celebration of life itself. She cherished travel above all, a passion that expanded her horizons and enriched her soul, connecting her to the diverse cultures and people she encountered on her many journeys.

Surviving Susan are her husband, Jeffrey Walker Williams; her daughters Emily Williams Roe and Cresson Williams; her grandchildren Ethan West and Christopher Roe; and her siblings Ann Walsh and Dr. John Kable. Together, they hold the torch of her memory, illuminating the paths she once walked with joy, courage, and love.

Susan “Muffin” Kable Williams leaves behind a world imbued with the richness of her experiences, the depth of her family bonds, and the brightness of her creative spirit. Her story is one of a woman who embraced life fully—curious, compassionate, and endlessly hopeful—and who will forever be remembered in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Saturday April 25, 2026 at Franconia United Methodist Church, 6037 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310.

All expressions of sympathy are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to Franconia United Methodist Church.