Dr. Stephen E. Williams

Stephen Edward Williams, 81, passed away on April 3, 2024. He was born on October 9, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Stephen Asa Williams and Madeira (Hall) Williams of Kirkwood, Missouri.

He is an alumnus of Central College, Fayette, Missouri, and he earned the Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee and the PhD. in Plant Physiology from Washington University-St. Louis. Dr. Williams then received a postdoctoral fellowship from Cornell University, Department of Plant Sciences, and continued to return there to teach summer school for 18 summers.

During 35 academic years, he taught plant physiology and molecular biology at Lebanon Valley College and mentored a number of students. His special interest was in the trapping physiology of the Venus’ flytrap, for which he had a worldwide reputation and many publications. He was always “curious about the world, and how it works.” His avocation was history and he had a phenomenal memory for past events.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years and 4 days, Dr. Susan Verhoek Williams, a daughter Emily Winters (Justin), two grandchildren Elisha Tilley and Madelyn Tilley, two step-grandchildren Justin and Jaelyn Winters, sister Deborah Rice (Rex), brother Richard Williams (Nancy), niece Gwen Nabel, and nephew Steven Williams, and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, May 8, at the Zimmerman Recital Hall at Lebanon Valley College, 101 College Ave, Annville, PA 17003. A visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00pm. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078. 717-838-9211

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Susan E. Verhoek and Dr. Stephen E. Williams Prize in Botany by following this link, or to an environmental organization of your choice.

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