She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, E. Thomas Williams; her parents, Alice Nall Thornburgh and Henry Lavigor Thornburgh; her brother, Henry Lavigor Thornburgh, Jr.; and her sister, Margaret Nell Thornburgh Street.
Elsie is survived by her children, Ernest Thomas Williams, Jr. (Debbie), Linda Williams McIntosh (Butch), and Barry Lee Williams (Renee); seven grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Nanny” by many family members and friends.
For thirty-two years, Elsie worked with her husband in their family accounting business. She valued her role as a mother above all else and always expressed joy in her children.
Elsie enjoyed spending time with family, reading, gardening. and music. She loved her backyard prayer garden and her favorite songs In the Garden and His Eye Is on the Sparrow.
Her Graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, January 12, 2026 at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home Monday.
Her faith was central to her life. She believed in God, trusted in His guidance, and relied on prayer throughout life’s challenges. She believed in and claimed the promise of eternal life, as found in John 3:16.
