Anita Hester Williams Feller

Anita Hester Williams Feller, 78, passed away on June 17, 2026. Born on October 19, 1947, in Lebanon, TN, Anita carried with her a steady, gentle grace that made people feel at ease in her presence. She was, in every sense, beloved and cherished—someone whose quiet wisdom and thoughtful care left a lasting imprint on those who knew her.

Anita graduated from Lebanon High School, and after high school attended two years at Cumberland University, followed by two years at Tennessee Technological University. Her patience and kind-hearted nature found a natural home in her work, and she went on to a thirty-plus year career with the State of Tennessee in Human Services until retirement—serving with compassion, devotion, and a calm steadiness that spoke louder than any title ever could.

In 2018, Anita moved to McKendree Village in Hermitage, TN. Hermitage, Tennessee became the place she called home, but the truest sense of “home” for Anita was always found in the people and pursuits she loved—wherever they gathered and wherever her gentle spirit was welcomed.

Anita’s curiosity and warmth shone through the life she built around stories, art, and learning. She loved to read books, enjoyed watching movies, appreciated good music, and loved to attend live theatre. She also loved to dance—and it was through dancing that she met her loving husband of 28 years, Tom Feller. Their connection, born in music and movement, reflected the tenderness and devotion that Anita carried into the most important parts of her life.

She found joy and friendship in the communities that matched her interests and her thoughtful nature. Anita was a member of the Red Hats Society; a Sherlock Holmes Club, the Nashville Scholars of the Three Pipe Problem"; the Nashville Science Fiction Society; and the Society for Creative Anachronism, medieval re-enactorers who wear costumes, including armor, fighting with swords, dancing and singing. She also enjoyed attending Osher Lifelong Learning Courses at Vanderbilt University, a reflection of the steady, wise curiosity that remained with her through the years.

Anita was preceded in death by her father, William Hester, and her mother, Jewel Irene (Ogle) Hester. She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Thomas R. Feller.

Anita will be entombed in a private ceremony in Rachel Mausoleum at Hermitage Memorial Gardens in Old Hickory, TN. There will be a Celebration of Anita's Life on Monday, June 22, at 2:00 PM in the McKendree Chapel, 4347 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN, with Billie Friel, officiating. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Tom by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.