Nancy Ann Williams

Nancy was born April 20, 1934 to Thomas and Charlotte Gardner in Denver. She received a PhD in English Literature from the University of Denver and was married to University of Denver professor and noted author John Williams who passed in 1994. She had four children from a prior marriage, three of which survive her: James Leavenworth, Gayle Hiester, and Daniel Leavenworth. Her son Phillip Leavenworth passed in 2021.

Nancy’s interests were varied. She loved the tiniest wildflower in the meadow, the poetry of William Carlos Williams, jazz, and in her younger years, cooking with Julia Child. She was a champion for the civil rights movement in the 60's. Later, education, the environment, and social justice were her passions. She taught English to immigrants and was elated when they prospered in America. She liked to say she was a Coloradan because her grandfathers came to Colorado working for the railroads, though her heart was also tied to Fayetteville, AR where she had many friends.

Nancy was honored to edit the stories she collected for her 2000 book, Arkansas Biography: A Collection of Notable Lives, which told the stories of 300 Arkansans that contributed to Arkansas and uniquely to the wider world. For example, she told of Louis Jordan, King of the jukeboxes and Triphenia Fancher Wilson, who survived the Mountain Meadow Massacre.

Rest in peace, Mom. We will always miss you.

Donations may be made in memoriam of Nancy to Los Pobres Inc., care of Avondale Sacred Heart Church, 214 US-50, Avondale, CO 81022.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.imperialfunerals.com for the Williams family.