Nancy Lee (Williams) Lewis

Nancy Lee (Williams) Lewis, age 77 of Springfield, TN passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at NHC Healthcare in Franklin, TN. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at First United Methodist Church in Springfield.  Pastor Jason Jones will lead the service, and a private family burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery in Springfield. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28 and continue from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at First United Methodist Church.  The Robertson County Funeral Home of Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

Nancy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law John Meredith and Brenda Lewis; granddaughter Meredith Marie Lewis; brother and sister-in-law Don E. and Tam Williams, all of Nashville, TN; nephews Brian Williams of Nashville and James Travis Kirby and wife Corrine of Richmond, TX; nieces Beth Williams Newman and husband John of Thompson Station, TN and Anna Williams Rapp and husband Mike of Brookhaven, GA.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law Mary Carolyn Kirby and James (Jim) Kirby; sister-in-law, Nancy Vaughn Williams; and beloved wire fox terrier Bradley. 

Nancy Lee Williams was born July 2, 1946, in Robertson County to the late J.B. and Margaret Tolleson Williams.  She was a proud Class of 1964 graduate of Springfield High School.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  She went on to obtain her Master of Arts in Education from Austin Peay State University in 1975.  Her 32-year teaching career included stretches at Cedar Hill & Bell Elementary, Bransford Elementary, and Jo Byrns Elementary School, mostly as a kindergarten teacher. Nancy earned a Level III Endorsement from the State of Tennessee’s Career Ladder certification program for educators. 

She was an active longtime member of the Robertson County Players, where she was an actress in both adult and children’s plays. She was an active member of Springfield First United Methodist Church, the church she was raised in. She served as a director of children’s plays, a nursery teacher, and served on various committees. 
Nancy enjoyed gardening, bible study, bargain shopping, studying genealogy, making jewelry, and she had a keen eye for photography, as shown in the many photography books she published featuring the tobacco barns of Robertson County.  Nancy was known for her generosity, bright smile, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor. Nancy also enjoyed traveling, getting to see most of the United States in her lifetime, often visiting historical sites and creating teachable moments along the way.  

Nancy loved children, especially her students, and always wanted to be instrumental in their lives. It is impossible to say how many lives she touched over her 32-year teaching career.  Countless cherished memories will forever stay in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.  Blessed be those memories.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Nancy’s memory to the children’s ministry of Springfield First United Methodist Church 511 Oak Street Springfield, TN 37172.

A special note from Nancy’s son, John Meredith:
Just like a Tennessee sunset coloring the sky or a Robertson County tobacco barn billowing in the fall with its white cloud of smoke, my momma’s sweet smile and caring spirit left its undeniable impact on those she met.  She was most comfortable sitting on a back porch with friends and sharing stories.  She was the family genealogist, a coupon-clipping guru, and perhaps most notably, the teacher who sang “Little Rabbit Foo Foo” on The Ralph Emery Show and years later again on Nashville Now.  My momma loved to laugh, and she loved it even more when her friends would laugh.  It’s a little quieter now since mom has been called home.
I love you Mom.

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