Rachel Williams Bounds

     Rachel Marie Williams Bounds, 64, of Lenoir, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville.

     Rachel was born in Fayetteville, NC, on September 14, 1962, to the late Elmer Williams and Ethel Powell Williams. She was married to the late Joel Glenn Bounds, her husband of 30 years. Rachel was a teacher with the Burke County School system. She retired from East Burke Middle School after many years of dedicated service. She attended Pooveys Chapel Baptist Church in Hudson and lived her life through faith. Rachel always strived to be a shining example for others. She never knew a stranger and will always be remembered for her small gestures of kindness. She loved to read and enjoyed outings with her family. Rachel was enamored with the autumn colors of the Blue Ridge Parkway and with festive Christmas lights during the winter season. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. They were her most joyous light.

     In addition to her husband and parents, Rachel was preceded in death by a sister, Esther Bullock.

     Those left to cherish her memory include two children, Susannah Freeman (Chris) and Christopher Bounds (Christina); a sister, Carolyn Andrews; and five grandchildren, Matthew Freeman, Jayden Valencia, Justice Valencia, Eli Bounds, and Ellie Bounds.

     A memorial service will be held at a later date.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org; or Beam Funeral Service to assist the family with funeral expenses.