Sheila Rae Hawkins Williams, 73, of Milan, IL, passed away peacefully at home on December 21st surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sheila was born on Jan. 13, 1950, to Floyd E. and Helen (Hennel) Hawkins in Moline, IL. A childhood well-spent on the banks of the Mississippi River in Hampton, IL, she was a 1968 graduate of United Township High School. She had a successful career serving the State of Illinois as a Counselor with Correctional Centers in East Moline, Robinson and Jacksonville.

Her loves were her two daughters, Jennifer and Melinda, as well as her dog, Chelsea.  She was an avid reader of a wide variety of genre as well as enjoyed 50's music. Sheila was a great cook and baker; her peach cobbler was a gustatory phenomenon. Her generous heart led to volunteerism at the Salvation Army Corps in Jacksonville as well as service to friends and neighbors in need. Best of all are fond memories of her witty storytelling that amused family and friends to endless laughter.

Those left to honor Sheila's memory are daughters Jennifer Nielsen, Melinda Nielsen; brother Mark Hawkins; sisters Sheryl Chapman; and Marsha Vozikis, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved Shih Tzu, Chelsea.

A Celebration of Life memorial will be planned at a future date in both the Quad Cities and Jacksonville.  To honor Sheila's memory, the family requests donations made to UnityPoint Hospice or to an animal welfare association of the donor's choice. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting the family.