Elizabeth Rose Williams

On October 1st, 1957, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, an angel – Elizabeth Rose Williams - was sent to this earth with the purpose to shine light, love, creativity and beauty to everyone she would encounter along her life’s journey. She passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, leaving a lasting legacy of love and warmth in the hearts of everyone she knew.

Growing up in Hot Springs, Arkansas, she drew many of her stories from her loving upbringing. As the daughter of James H. Williams, Jr. and Katrina S. Williams, she was taught to love others and to be a good person. Throughout her life, her joyful spirit and redheaded “sparkle” left a lasting sense of wonder wherever she went. Anyone fortunate enough to be part of her world was deeply impacted by her kind and loving presence.

Liz was descended from General James H. Williams—a former mayor, senator, and governor of South Carolina. She held her heritage in high regard and embodied the same ideals described in his 1892 obituary: “His record should stand out upon memory's page as clear cut as a cameo; should be engraven upon the hearts of all who respect honesty of purpose, nobility of soul and high aspirations unattained by the selfishness of a mean ambition.”

As the token princess of a landscape architecture class full of boys, Liz Williams earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Arkansas in 1980, the first woman ever to receive this degree from the university.

She distinguished herself as a landscape architect, launching her career at the City of Little Rock Parks & Recreation Department, where she designed Riverfront Park, MacArthur Park, Allsopp Park Promenade, and the Decorative Arts Museum. Her strong commitment to advancing the profession led her to serve on the Arkansas State Board of Landscape Architects from 1984 to 2008. Liz further contributed her ideals on a national level by helping to develop and grade the national licensure exam for more than three decades.

A visit to Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs offers a glimpse into Liz's creativity, evident in her design of the Garden of the Pine Wind, Hixson Family Nature Preserve, Millsap Canopy Bridge, and Daffodil Hill.

Another notable creation is the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain where she was tasked to “design everything outside the drip line of the buildings”. This impressive project encompasses 188 acres and reflects years of committed creative effort.

Throughout all her years of creating and designing, Liz was most proud of the work she completed for her many private clients. In her own words about her clients she stated she was always “so grateful for the trust that is placed in me. They are my heart. They are my friends. They are my greatest joy.” She also described herself as a “Property Puzzle Solver” assisting clients in ensuring their “piece of the planet” served them and believed, “At the end of the day, doesn’t it simply come down to enjoying it all? Most people won’t notice a space as having ‘good design’. Good design simply causes the visitor to return to the experience.”

Liz was a lover of animals, nature, and God. She cherished her pets and respected all creatures she met. Whenever it was necessary to remove trees for landscape projects, Liz would take a moment to embrace each tree and express appreciation for its role and sacrifice in the project. This genuine appreciation for all living things truly defined who Liz was.

She frequently described herself as an empath—someone who deeply sensed the emotions of those around her. She recognized this ability as a gift and was able to uplift many people throughout her life.

Liz was predeceased in death by her parents, James H. Williams and Katrina Sykes Williams and her sister Katrina Brown.

Liz Rose Williams is survived by the true heart and soul of her life, Daniel Frazier. She holds a special place in the hearts of many friends, her brother-in-law Roy Brown, her godchildren Holly Smothers and Brian Smothers, numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved greyhound Lola.

A Celebration of Liz’s life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Garvan Woodland Gardens- Liz Williams Memorial Fund, 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913.