Ann Fernstrom Williams

Ann was born on June 5, 1940 in Memphis, TN, the daughter of the late Nell Crabtree Fernstrom and Richard Price Fernstrom. Ann was a graduate of Jackson High School in the Class of 1958. In 1962, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree from the University  of Tennessee at Martin. It was here that she met the love of her life, Larry Joe Williams from Union City. Ann and Larry Joe were married on December 31, 1961.

Ann dedicated her life to serving others and exemplified being the hands and feet of Jesus. In 1963, she started her career with the State of Tennessee. Initially she was a social worker, then supervised the Foster Care and Adoption Unit until her retirement in 1983. After two years of retirement, she accepted a position as the Host Home Coordinator for Madison County Juvenile Court Services then Director of the Group Home. A few months after it’s inception, Ann was led to The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Countless families were impacted by her dedication and selfless love as the volunteer coordinator. Even after her regular employment, she transported teens in crisis across Tennessee and sometimes beyond the state’s borders. Although their situation was anything but pleasant, Ann used this time to connect with them, hearing their story with empathy and kindness. Before her health began to decline, she and her little dog, Benji, delivered Meals on Wheels to families in Jackson.

With her warm eyes and beautiful smile, Ann had a special gift of connecting with people, helping each one feel that they were the most important person in the world.

In 1948, Ann joined Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church. She loved her church family and especially enjoyed singing in the choir.

Ann is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Larry Joe Williams; two daughters, Debbie Mayer (Jim) and Pam Long (Matthew); grandchildren, Ashley Fortner (Chris), Dylan Blankenship (Harley), Curt Seeley, Caroline Burgardt (Jason), and Matthew R. Long, Jr.; great grandchildren, Macy Fortner, Paxton DeGood, Alanna Fortner, Vann Clinton Seeley, Henry Blankenship, Max Blankenship, and Oliver Blankenship.

Funeral services for Ann will be conducted on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery. The family will begin receiving friends at 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service.