Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laurie McLaurin Williams |
| Birth Date | September 24, 1922 |
| Birthplace | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Death Date | September 4, 2001 |
| Deathplace | Tiburon, California |
| Occupations | Fashion Model, Actress, Community Volunteer |
| Education | San Francisco Art Institute (Lithography, 1945) |
| Spouse | Robert Fitzgerald Williams (d. 1987) |
| Children | Robin Williams, Todd, McLaurin Williams |
| Ancestral Legacy | Great-granddaughter of Governor and U.S. Senator Anselm J. McLaurin |
Early Life
Laurie McLaurin Williams was born into Southern political and social prominence. In Jackson and New Orleans, she was raised to respect culture, education, and civic leadership. Her family was longtime public servants, including Mississippi governor and U.S. senator Anselm J. McLaurin.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 24, 1922 |
| Childhood Locations | Jackson, Mississippi; New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Parental Names | Robert Armistead Janin; Laura McLaurin Berry Janin Smith |
| Family Heritage | Southern aristocracy; great-granddaughter of Anselm J. McLaurin |
| Early Influences | Political discourse, cultural events, artistic pursuits |
Career and Community Involvement
Laurie McLaurin Williams worked creatively and communally. After modeling for Marshall Field’s in Chicago, she studied lithography at the San Francisco Art Institute. Later in life, she featured in TV ads and volunteered, especially at the Marin County Christian Science church.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Modeling | Marshall Field’s fashion model in Chicago (late 1940s) |
| Art Education | Lithography studies at San Francisco Art Institute (1945) |
| Television Appearances | Commercials in the 1950s; exercise video for seniors; Caltrans vanpool program spot |
| Community Service | Volunteer work in Marin County with Christian Science church; local charitable initiatives |
| Athletics | Accomplished tennis player at Belvedere Tennis Club |
Net Worth
Context suggests Laurie McLaurin Williams is wealthy, even though no formal records exist. Modeling and acting helped support the family, while her husband’s executive work at Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury Division provided cash. The family lived comfortably without ostentation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Documentation | No public financial disclosures |
| Primary Income Sources | Husband’s executive salary; modeling and acting fees |
| Lifestyle Indicators | Residence in Tiburon; active participation in cultural and social clubs |
| Financial Stability | Consistent professional and spousal earnings ensured long-term comfort |
Family Legacy
The McLaurin Williams family is involved in entertainment, business, and early American politics. She married senior Ford executive Robert Fitzgerald Williams and had three kids, including Robin Williams, whose comedy changed global film. Public power runs through her ancestor Anselm J. McLaurin.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Robert Fitzgerald Williams (served as senior executive at Ford Motor Company) |
| Children | Robin Williams (actor/comedian), Todd Williams, McLaurin Williams |
| Grandchildren | Three, names private |
| Notable Descendant | Robin Williams – Academy Award-winning actor and celebrated comedian |
| Ancestral Figure | Anselm J. McLaurin – Governor of Mississippi (1896–1900); U.S. Senator (1894–1895, 1900–1910) |
FAQ
When and where was Laurie McLaurin Williams born?
Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, she spent part of her childhood in New Orleans.
What was her career focus?
Laurie modeled at Marshall Field’s, studied lithography, performed in commercials, and volunteered.
Was Laurie McLaurin Williams wealthy?
Her husband’s executive job and her own profession supported a stable and affluent lifestyle, but her net worth is unknown.
Who were her children?
Robin, Todd, and McLaurin Williams were her sons, and she had three grandkids.
Her wider familial significance?
The mother of Robin Williams, a famous actor and comedian, she was the great-granddaughter of Mississippi governor and U.S. senator Anselm J. McLaurin.
