Nancy Sue Bartels Williams
05/27/1937 - 11/04/2022
Nancy Sue Bartels Williams died peacefully, surrounded by her family, Friday, November 4th, at age 85. Born to Fred William Bartels and Artelia Leona Pike Bartels May 27th, 1937, in Houston, TX. Nancy married the late Gary Eugene Williams in 1959 and had three children, two boys and a girl. As a beloved mother, Nancy spent her time teaching her kids to be thoughtfully curious instilling in them empathy, love, and respect.
Nancy was a dedicated student throughout World War II and looked back fondly at her years of schooling. She was a fifth generation Houstonian and sixth generation Texan. A German ancestor landed on Galveston Island in 1796 and received a land grant for farmland that included White Oak Bayou and Beauchamp Springs, the only consistent potable water for early Houstonians. She attended Travis Elementary, Hogg Junior High School, and Reagan High School.
In 1955, she began studies at the University of Houston supported by a Mary Gibbs Jones Scholarship. At the University of Houston, she was president of the freshman and sophomore honor fraternity and held offices in several other campus organizations. During her junior and senior years, she was on the dean's list of outstanding students.
Nancy began her teaching career and taught at Hamilton Junior High and Black Junior High in Houston. Her family settled in Jersey Village in 1977 where she began teaching 8th grade U.S. History at Arnold Junior High. In 1984, she began teaching at Jersey Village High School where she taught AP US History and became department chair for social studies. She would retire in 2002. She inspired a love of history and coached sixteen 1st place winners at the National History Fair, as well as many 2nd, 3rd, and special award winners. In 2002, she was named Texas Social Studies teacher of the year. Many of her students look back on Nancy as their favorite teacher while others say she changed the course of their life.
She was an active member of St. Cuthbert Episcopal Church. After retiring from teaching, she enjoyed traveling in North America, Europe, and Asia with her family and numerous friends. Her granddaughter Hattie Andres arrived in 2011 and she loved being a doting grandmother. When she was not spending time with her family, Nancy could be found in her garden, reading a book, or visiting with her friends.
She is survived by her brothers Fred Bartels and Ira "Bud" Bartels and her sisters-in-laws Sandra and Sherma. Her children-Jim Williams and Melissa Andres of Austin, and Brian Williams of Richmond. She is also survived by her son-in-law Jason Andres and granddaughter Hattie Andres. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Cuthbert's Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 19th at 10 am.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Sweetwater Church
November 18, 2022
Nancy was a wonderful mentor and friend. It was a honor work along side her at JV for many years as well as teach Brian and Melissa. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Jeanne Menges Davis
Work
November 16, 2022
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