News Summary
Nancy Harris Williams, a cherished educator and community advocate, has passed away at 92. Known for her dedication to teaching and community service, she positively impacted the lives of countless students during her 33-year career. A Wake and Funeral Service will honor her legacy, with family and friends invited to remember her contributions and love for education.
Yorktown, VA — Nancy Harris Williams, a beloved educator and dedicated community advocate, passed away at the age of 92 on May 18, 2025, at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Her remarkable life was defined by her commitment to education, family, and community service.
Nancy was born on May 13, 1933, in Warwick County, Virginia, as the oldest daughter of Allen Copeland Harris and Helen Schell Harris. She graduated from Poquoson High School in 1951 and pursued further education at the College of William and Mary, earning a degree in education. Over a span of 33 years, she worked primarily as a 12th-grade English teacher at Warwick High School in Newport News, where she profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers as leaders, doctors, judges, and lawyers.
In 1954, Nancy married Preston Scott Williams, a police officer from Cheriton, Virginia. Their union lasted 66 years until Preston’s passing. Together, they raised two sons, Bryant and Scott Williams, both of whom reside in Yorktown, Virginia. As a police officer’s wife during the tumultuous 1960s and 70s, Nancy managed her family responsibilities with grace during her husband’s absences caused by public unrest and labor strikes. Known for her excellent problem-solving skills and a servant’s heart, she was a steadfast source of support for her family.
Nancy is survived by her two sons, her three granddaughters — Lacey, Lilly, and Jocelyn — and her daughters-in-law, Jacqui and Catharine Williams, whom she cherished as her own daughters. She was also grateful for the care and affection provided by her nurse and caregiver, Cashawn Taliferro, who she came to regard as a friend and daughter. Additionally, her lifelong friend and confidant, Claudette Cooke, played a vital role in helping Nancy care for her family and raise her sons.
Throughout her life, Nancy was passionate about reading and collecting antiques, and she proudly supported her favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, often providing her own commentary during games watched from home. Her community engagement included membership in the Yorktown Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter and active participation at Crooks Memorial United Methodist Church.
To honor Nancy’s memory, a Wake will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Crooks Memorial Church from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the same church, followed by burial at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, Virginia. A repass will be offered at the church after the burial to allow family and friends to gather and remember her life together.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Nancy’s memory to Crooks Memorial United Church or Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), reflecting her lifelong dedication to service and care in the community.
Nancy Harris Williams leaves behind a legacy of love, education, and advocacy, and her impact will be felt in the hearts of those she influenced throughout her extraordinary life.
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- WYDaily: Nancy Harris Williams, 92 of Yorktown
- Wikipedia: Education
- Legacy: John Hammond Obituary
- Google Search: Nancy Harris Williams
- Legacy: James Hughes Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Legacy: David Bethel Obituary
- Google News: Yorktown Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
