GARNER, NC — Two communities Sunday night are grieving the loss of a mother, friend and teacher.
Michele Williams was shot and killed by her husband Friday night in Cary, according to police.
Williams, 51, was a kindergarten teacher at Timber Drive Elementary School in Garner.
The school system is shocked at the sudden and tragic loss.
Williams, who was originally from South Carolina, but grew up in Florida, had been a teacher for 16 years, the last several years at Timber Drive Elementary, according to the bio on her school class webpage.
The school’s principal, Kim Burton, released a statement saying the entire school community is “deeply saddened by the loss of our dear colleague … she was a dedicated, hardworking and loving teacher… our hearts go out to Michele’s family and friends.”
Williams, who taught other grades in the past, including high school, moved to the Raleigh area with her husband about 12 years ago, according to Williams’ bio on her school class webpage.
Friends say Williams was kind, caring and supportive.
“Kindergarten is my favorite. I love helping our smallest Timberwolves learn to love school and learning,” Williams wrote in her bio.
Cary Police say Williams was shot by her husband, 55-year-old David Sloan Williams, Friday evening.
He was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. His first court appearance is set for 2 p.m. Monday.
Michele Williams leaves behind a daughter that recently graduated from Appalachian State University, and dozens of students.
The Wake County School System says they will have counselors at Timber Drive Elementary on Monday to help any students or staff struggling with the loss.
Here is the full statement from Kim Burton, principal of Timber Drive Elementary:
“All of us at Timber Drive Elementary and our entire school community are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear colleague, our friend, Michele Williams. She was a dedicated, hardworking, and loving teacher who gave her students the gift of her smile each and every day. Our hearts go out to Michele’s family and friends.”