Zayna Marie Williams, 82, Dies in Largo

Largo lost a beloved resident last week with the passing of Zayna Marie Williams, who died Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at the age of 82. She passed away following a brief illness.

Williams was born Nov. 13, 1943, in Medford, Wisconsin, to Harry and Erma Hierlmeier. She married Darrell Williams in 1959. She raised their five children before embarking on a career in fashion retail. In 2000, she transferred to a Zales Jewelry store in Largo, embracing Florida sunshine and living near her daughter, Roxane Miller, and grandchildren, Ben and Kylie.

Williams enjoyed trivia nights and happy hours with friends in Largo. She maintained strong ties to Wisconsin, visiting family and friends annually. She often said, "you can’t get a decent brat in Florida," a sentiment her son, Blake Williams, honored by grilling brats for her.

She is survived by her children Debra Knudsen, Blake Williams, Roxane Miller and Terry Williams. Her grandchildren include Michael Elmer, Lisa Kronberg, Benjamin Miller, Kylie Miller and Megan Essler. She also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren. Her sisters-in-law Jackie and Thelma Hierlmeier, best friends Ron and Carolyn Satter and Carla Inocelda, and numerous nieces and nephews also will miss her.

Williams was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Erma Hierlmeier; her brothers Tom, Dick and Louie Hierlmeier; her son Gerald Williams; and her ex-husband Darrell Williams.

Per her wishes, no funeral service will be held. The family plans a private memorial at a later date.