Amanda Fairbank Williams

Amanda Fairbank Williams, of Madison, died Monday, April 27, 2026. She was 55 years old. 

Her loving husband, beloved son, and innumerable family and friends will forever mourn the loss of a woman whose laugh came easily, who showed strength of character in the most challenging of times, and who taught us all what it meant to truly love and be loved. 

A devout Catholic, Amanda embodied the teachings of Christ: She was joyful and kind, generous of spirit, and devoted to her family. Throughout her life, she praised God in all things; we are confident she is now praising Him with the angels and saints. 

Born on August 8, 1970, to Bob and Edith Fairbank, Amanda was raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her Gulfport roots would shape her into a quintessential Southern woman; Amanda loved hosting, appreciated the art of storytelling and the etiquette of a well-crafted thank you note. 

After graduating from Gulfport High School, Amanda moved to Jackson to attend Millsaps College where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting before going on to earn a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, also from Millsaps. 

Amanda met Chris Williams at the Mississippi Museum of Art by happenstance. They were married less than 18 months later. Chris said he knew from the very beginning that Amanda was someone “special.” Amanda initially wasn't so sure; after all, she joked, Chris was from Biloxi. They recently celebrated their twenty fifth wedding anniversary, which received a Papal Blessing. 

She made their home warm and inviting, filled with family photos—walls lovingly adorned with photos of their son, Lockard, her late mother, and a stunning bridal portrait of Amanda—and collected art, particularly bright, colorful pieces from local artists at The Mustard Seed, of which she was an ardent supporter. 

Being “Lockard’s Mom” was the absolute joy of her life. Amanda was at every elementary school play, every Boy Scout Court of Honor and every band performance. She never missed an opportunity to show him how much she loved him. The two frequently embarked on adventures together, from road trips to Vicksburg to the Mississippi Delta to scoop up several pieces of McCarty and Peters Pottery. She lived for those cherished moments. 

As a family, the trio was frequently on the go. They often traveled to Disney World and the Grand Hotel in Mobile, making memories to carry them through a lifetime. Amanda loved New Orleans and was looking forward to the idea of a family trip to Paris, France to see the Saints when they play abroad in the fall. 

Quick with a story, a knowing smile, and her signature laugh, Amanda was fun personified. In every stage of life, she made lasting, treasured, friendships. From childhood friends, to sorority sisters, to those she met along the way, every person that knew and loved Amanda felt as if they had been friends their entire lives. Such was her ability to immediately make you feel at ease that, with one conversation, a stranger turned into a friend. Despite the physical pain she carried in recent years, Amanda was always quick to lend a hand to others; her warmth enveloped you. 

At just 42 years old, Amanda was stricken with multiple autoimmune diseases. For nearly 14 years, she valiantly fought back her illness. Determined to see her son grow up, she summoned a strength and resilience that was nothing short of amazing. But Amanda herself was amazing. That she fought with such ferocity is of no surprise. We take comfort in knowing that, through the mercy of God, she is at peace. 

Amanda belonged to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Madison, where she faithfully attended for more than 20 years. She also served as the parish office manager and accountant, a role she relished, until her health no longer allowed. 

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Jacob T. Lockard and Annie Mae Lockard; paternal grandparents, Robert E. Fairbank and Dorothy O’Neal Fairbank; mother, Edith Fairbank; and father-in-law, Daniel M. Williams, and paternal aunt, Susan Cheshire. She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Chris Williams; her son, Lockard Williams; father, Bob E. Fairbank, Jr. and his wife, Honey, uncles, James R. Lockard and his wife Paula, John Fairbank and his wife Sue, and Ed Cheshire; mother-in-law, Beverly G. Williams; and brother-in-laws, Danny Williams, Patrick Williams and his wife Amanda, and Michael Williams and his wife Marie. 

Visitation will take place Friday, May 1, at St. Francis, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment to follow in Vancleave, Mississippi.

Donations may be made in her honor The Mustard Seed. 

Arrangements are being handled by Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence and Riemann Family Funeral Homes in Gulfport.