Nancy Lucy Williams

Nancy Lucy Williams of Richmond, previously of Emporia, Virginia and Seaford, Delaware, died November 1 at age 91.

A wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, volunteer, gardener, bridge player and golfer, Mrs. Williams found joy in virtually everyone she met and actively sought ways to boost those around her.

Born in Brunswick County, Virginia, Mrs. Williams loved telling stories of her youth spent at the family home, where friends and family regularly gathered. The homeplace instilled in her a caring spirit and the values she held throughout her life -- faith, kindness, respect, and service to others.

Mrs. Williams was a graduate of Madison College, now James Madison University, where she earned her teaching degree. She taught elementary school until she married J. Kenneth Williams, whom she had known since childhood. At Madison, she developed lasting friendships, and she regularly rendezvoused with her three college suitemates until the final months of her life.

In 2018, Mrs. Williams became an active resident of The Hermitage Richmond, where she assumed leadership roles and energized a twice-weekly bridge group. She joined in every activity available -- music, games, cooking classes, exercise, and discussion groups. She truly enjoyed the staff at The Hermitage and strived to know everyone’s name. The family is very appreciative of the loving care provided at The Hermitage.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, J. Kenneth Williams, who died in 1992, Mrs. Williams subsequently traveled widely domestically and abroad, visiting Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. In her later years, she took great pleasure in group tour outings in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Probably her most memorable years were spent in Seaford, Delaware where she and Ken raised their three children: Teresa Havey (Bob) of Glen Allen; Karen Hedelt (Rob) of Fredericksburg; and Kenn Williams of Norfolk. Mrs. Williams was part of a close-knit community in Seaford, including a bridge group that gathered annually at Bethany Beach for 54 years. Also in Seaford, Nancy and Ken had a group of 16 golfing friends who shared vacations filled with days on the course and nights playing cards.

When she and Ken returned from Delaware to Virginia in 1981, Nancy was able to gather more frequently with family members, and she developed new friends, including bridge buddies. She spent many hours volunteering at Greensville Memorial Hospital and served as president of the hospital auxiliary for several terms. Harkening back to her childhood days helping in her family garden, she helped tend Ken’s large vegetable garden and loved sharing its bounty with appreciative neighbors and relatives. 

Mrs. Williams was always active in her church, and she served on the vestry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Seaford and at Christ Church in Emporia. 

In addition to her children, Mrs. Williams is survived by her sister, Christine Tanner, and three beloved grandchildren: Allison Havey Lindenau (Grant) of Ashland, Carden Williams Hedelt (Anna Williams) of Durham, N.C., and Taylor Hedelt Owen (Eric) of Stuttgart, Germany. Her great grandson, Robert Edward Havey IV was a great source of joy for her. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her cherished grandson Robert E. (Rob) Havey III. Mrs. Williams was grateful for her enduring, loving relationship with Sallie Higgins Havey, Rob’s wife. She also is survived by several sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews and was always grateful for their visits, calls and social media contacts.

Late family members include her parents, Murtis and J. Cleveland Lucy; sisters Edith Plummer, Kathleen Tanner, and Jane Rash; and brothers J.C. Lucy, Jr., Emory H. Lucy and C. Patterson Lucy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Robert E. Havey Leadership Scholarship at Longwood University Online Giving. To donate, visit https://give.longwood.edu/18/give, click on “Other” and fill in Rob Havey Leadership Scholarship and follow donation prompts. You may otherwise send a check to Longwood University, Office of Development, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909 and designate the Rob Havey Leadership Scholarship. 

A visitation is planned at the Williams Funeral Home, on Sunday, November 10 at 2 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at The Hermitage Richmond on Thursday, November 14 at 2 p.m.