Obituary: Zoanne Denise Haire Williams

For The Madera Tribune

Zoanne Denise Haire Williams.

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Zoanne Denise Haire Williams was born at 8:53 on Aug. 18, 1958, in Madera, CA, an auspicious beginning for a charmed life full of light, laughter and love of family.

Zo graduated from Madera High School in 1976 where she was class vice president, a pep girl, Rainbow Girls Worthy Advisor, a member of CSF all four years, and enjoyed studying German. 

After meeting in high school and reconnecting in college, a storied romance began with the love of her life, Randy Williams. They both shared a passion for travel, music, celebrations and movies, especially The Notebook. They referred to each other as “Buddy” throughout their 42-year marriage, and to quote Tom Cruise, “We completed each other,” Randy says. “She is me and I am her forever.” When he proposed, she was so excited that she woke her mother up at 1 a.m. to share the news. 

Randy and Zo married after she graduated from Chico State where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. With a gift for relationships, she had many lifelong friends who were as close as family. She loved special time together, finding the perfect gift, playing the piano and spending time with her dogs. Supplying the fun for everyone, she had a passion for cruises, concerts, cooking shows and hosting game day whenever the Giants or 49ers were playing.

Zo was also driven and achieved every goal she set, working for Fresno Superior Court from 1998-2020 as a court reporter, covering high-profile cases and striving to make the perfect record in the courtroom every day. 

Her greatest pride was her family. The births of her children — Ryan and Taryn — and grandchildren, Brody, Brooklyn, Noah and Lana — were among the happiest days of her life. To her grandchildren, she was “Nini,” the dinosaur wrangler, cookie baker and DJ for their dance parties. She was a magnet that drew their growing family together and held them close. 

Always the overachiever, she fought cancer for just one more day and one more conversation with her children, family and friends.

Zo is survived by her husband, Randy of Fresno; son Ryan (Monique) of Sanger; daughter Taryn (Oscar) of Fresno; stepson Bryan (Katie) of Missouri and their children, Rebekah and Brendon; grandchildren Brody, Brooklyn, Noah and Lana; her father, Norman (Lois) of Madera; her sister, Glenae (Kirk) of Sanger; and her beloved dog, Lilly. She is preceded in death by her mother, Glenna, and her dear dogs Greta, Bernie, Missy and Hallie. The celebration of life will be held at San Joaquin Winery on Oct. 20, 2024.