Barbara Nell Williams

Barbara Nell Williams, 94, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Longview, Texas. She was born on August 27, 1932, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Roy and Elva Worthy. Barbara was raised in Brandon, Mississippi, where she graduated from Brandon High School in 1950 and later completed two years of junior college.

On February 10, 1952, Barbara married Richard Franklin Williams. Their marriage would span nearly 65 years, and together they raised three children while building a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others.

In 1965, Barbara and Richard moved their family to Longview, Texas. They built Rick’s Auto Discount Center, which Barbara later joked they started on “half of a shoestring.” As co-owner and office manager, she was an essential part of the business and helped establish the values it became known for: honesty, fair treatment of customers and employees, and a commitment to never open on Sundays.

After Rick’s Auto Discount Center closed, Barbara and Richard continued their entrepreneurial and service-minded work. They operated Rick’s Woodshed, traveled to craft shows around the country, and later manufactured silk-screen frames sold across the United States and beyond. Barbara also started Nana’s Breadbox, selling day-old bread at affordable prices to families who needed a little extra financial help. Together, she and Richard helped establish the North American Hardwood Preservation Society, working with family and friends to restore land, plant hardwood trees, and sponsor tree giveaways throughout East Texas.

Barbara also loved music, especially the piano. She sang barbershop music with the Sweet Adelines and performed at weddings and other special occasions. Even at 93, she could still get a crowd dancing at her assisted living community by sitting down at the piano and playing boogie-woogie.

Above all else, Barbara’s Christian faith was the guiding force in her life. She and Richard were longtime members of Pine Tree Church of Christ, joining the congregation just a few months after its formation. Barbara spent many years teaching Bible classes, where her strong faith and love of God’s Word left a lasting impression on those she taught. Her faith was not limited to the classroom or church building; it shaped the way she lived, treated people, and served others. She volunteered at Caring and Sharing, a local nonprofit that provides food, clothing, and other basic necessities to people in need. More than anything, Barbara wanted to live in a way that would make God proud of her and to do all she could so that, when her life on earth was finished, she might one day enter the gates of Heaven.

Barbara also had a gift for encouragement. Over the years, she wrote hundreds of cards and notes to people who were grieving, struggling, celebrating, or simply needed to know someone cared. She loved bringing people together and was known for cooking for a crowd, hosting fish fries and family gatherings, and making sure there was always room for one more person at the table.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Elva Worthy; her husband, Richard Franklin Williams; her son, Rick Williams; and her brothers, Roy Worthy and Benny Farmer.

She is survived by her daughter, Lawanna Pond and husband Ronnie; her son, Ted Williams and wife Linda; her sister, June Garvin and husband Joe; and her daughter-in-law, Sharon Williams.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Carol Finigan, Kelie Vaughn, Austen Pond, Jered Pond, Sloan Williams, Slade Williams, Lacey Prosenjak, Brandy Spann, and Chase Williams, along with their spouses; many great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

A time of visitation will be held at Lakeview Funeral Home, located at 5000 W. Harrison Rd., Longview, Texas 75604, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at the same location.