Laurie Ann (Williams) Whitehead, 61, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer on April 12th, 2026. She was born on February 24, 1965, in Freeport, Illinois to Burnell and Janice (Blenner) Williams.  Laurie was raised in Apple River, IL and later moved to Freeport, IL.

Laurie was the beloved wife of Steven Whitehead and a devoted mother to her daughter, Ashley Bender, and to Andrew, Stephanie, and Shawn Whitehead.  She was also a bonus mom to Tracy Thompson, whom she loved like her own. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren—Messiah Rodriguez; Codrick, Mi'yana, and Troyelle Bland; Blair, Silas, and Spencer Whitehead; and Janelle Winston—who all meant the world to her.

Laurie is also survived by five brothers and their spouses, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Burnell and Janice (Blenner) Williams; her brother, Rodney Williams; and her second parents; Gerald and Nicolette (Beverly) Bender.

Laurie worked for many years at Thermos and MicroSwitch before becoming disabled. She was known for her ability to persevere through life's challenges with determination and grit.  She brought a sense of humor, a no-nonsense attitude, and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.   She had a personality that was unforgettable—feisty, funny, hardheaded, and able to curse like a sailor—but behind it all was a heart of gold. She was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. She loved deeply, cared fiercely, and showed up for people time and time again.

In her younger years, Laurie enjoyed camping, boating, the river, spending time with her brothers, and making memories with family and friends. As the years went on, her greatest happiness came from being with her grandchildren and enjoying time with her husband and children.  She also had a well-known love for bingo, casinos, slot machines, and scratch offs—anything gambling related, Laurie was there.
Laurie will be remembered most for the love she gave, the strength she showed, and the way she made people feel. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and unconditional love that will live on through her family.

In accordance with Laurie's wishes, she will be cremated. The family kindly asks for privacy and respect during this time.  A celebration of Laurie's life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.