Lenora Williams

Lenora McNeal Williams, age 87, of Afton, passed away peacefully Friday, January 30, 2026.

Lenora was born and raised in southern Alabama and was a proud graduate of Troy State University and The University of Alabama. However, after meeting the love of her life, Jimmy, she moved to Tennessee.

She was a dedicated teacher who retired from Eastview Elementary School after serving as librarian for 33 years. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and Alpha Delta Kappa.

Faith, family, friends, and football were central components in Lenora’s life. She was a member of Mt. Zion Church at Afton and was active in many church ministries; she loved the Lord and her church family! As a teacher and librarian, Lenora enriched the lives of students and instilled a love of reading and learning. She had a knack for telling stories. After retiring from teaching, Lenora earned the name, Nana, and enjoyed keeping each of her grandchildren daily until they were old enough to attend school. Her quick wit and vibrant personality helped her form meaningful friendships everywhere she went. She enjoyed watching football and bantering with friends about the games. Lenora’s kind encouragement brought a bright light to all who knew and loved her, and her light is now shining on us from Heaven!

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Julie and Randy Shelton, son and daughter-in-law: Daniel and Melanie Williams, grandchildren: Allie Shelton, Abbi Shelton, Heidi Williams, and Dutch Williams, niece and nephew: Phyllis Voth and Terry Phillips, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Jimmy Allen Williams, an infant daughter, parents: Sumpter Daniel and Mattie Seless McNeal, brothers: Rudolph McNeal and James McNeal, and sister: Ouida Phillips.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 6, 2026 from 1-3 and 5-7 pm at Jeffers Funeral Chapel at Afton. The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3 pm at Mt. Zion Church at Afton with Rev. Glenn Cox, Rev. Sam Smith, and Rev. Kristen Burkhart officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include: Josh Bible, Doug Dayton, Chris Gray, Josh Marshall, Jason Shelton, and Sean Stewart.

Memorial contributions can be made to Mt. Zion Children’s Ministries, 1031 Mt. Zion Road, Afton, TN 37616.