NANCY JO CRAFTON WILLIAMS

     Nancy Jo Crafton Williams passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, 11 days after her 90th birthday.

     Nancy was born on her family’s homestead on February 12, 1936, and she lived there and on the adjacent family farm for most of her life.   She was married to Daniel F. Williams for 65 years, until his death in 2021.  Her parents were Lucius Milton Crafton and Georgia Sugg Crafton (Daddy Luke & Mama Georgie), and she was preceded in death by them and by a brother, Thomas S. Crafton.

     Nancy was a lifelong and stalwart member of Bellfield Baptist Church.   She was also a member of the Anthoston Homemakers, and that meant that she knew how to live on a farm, sew, can vegetables, and keep her home immaculate, always.  She prepared Sunday dinners for her family every week for years.  We miss the corn, green beans, carrots, and especially her meatloaf.  Our Mom instilled values of family, friendship, generosity, hospitality, and community in her children, and she and Dan were the best parents, neighbors, and friends.

     Nancy is survived by daughters, Rhonda Jo Siewert and her husband, Jimmy, and Beth Heady and her husband, David; son Tom Williams and his wife, Marlene; grandchildren: Jason Siewert, Jayme Jo Vowels and her husband, Craig, Alan Garner and his wife, Maggie, all of Henderson, Kentucky, and Daniel Williams of Denver, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Brady Siewert, Will Siewert, Jud Siewert, Jaci Jo Vowels, Madison Watkins (Mitchell), Eli Vowels, Theo Garner, and Finn Garner; great-great grandchild, Liam Watkins; and siblings, Bob Crafton and his wife, Jica, and Pat Bockenkamp and her husband, Don; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

     Our family extends our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Redbanks Colonial Terrace in Sebree for their care of Nancy over the last months of her life.  They are a compassionate and loving community and are cherished in our memories.  Also, special thanks to her long-time caregiver, Sara Vanvactor, an angel of God’s mercy.

     Relatives and friends are invited to Nancy’s Life Celebration from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home and again from 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Bellfield Baptist Church.

     The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the church, with the Reverend Jerry Tooley and Nancy’s second-favorite nephew, the Reverend James A. Williams, officiating.   Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Henderson. 

     In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Bellfield Baptist Church Building Fund, 9980 Hwy 136 East, Henderson, KY 42420, or the Henderson County Public Library, 101 South Main Street, Henderson, KY 42420.

     Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.